Luna

iTrader: (6)

Can someone please break down for me the real difference between coated and uncoated headers ?

Here is what I know ...

-Coated headers run cooler
-Coated headers are less prone to rust

Heres my questions ...

-Doesnt the coating chip off over time anyway?
-Couldn't I make them just as rust resistant with some high temp paint ?

Basically the bottom line WHY are coated headers worth the extra money ?

agrV8dta

iTrader: (1)

As long as the company you get the headers from has done a decent (to say the least) job on coating them, no the coating will not chip off. Unless you're scraping the hell outta them on the ground. I have had pacesetter coated longtubes on the t/a for about a year and no chipping just some rust, but I live in Indy. So it's expected to some degree I guess. I believe high temp paint will eventually flake off. As far as being worth the money, you get what you pay for. Hope this helps

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

Don't even consider getting uncoated headers. They look horrible and you will easily burn wires. If its a decent coating then it will stay on there.

Luna

iTrader: (6)

I guess the burning wires would be the most significant thing to me. I was considering saving some money and getting the uncoated ones, but I think I'd rather just do it once and do it right

General Jack

iTrader: (4)

I've had my jet-hot coated hookers for nearly 3 years now and they still look pretty good. And this is my daily driver - I've put on over 25k miles since they were installed. Definitely worth the money.

TransAm12sec

Hi temp paint will last for alittle while, but eventually it will come off. You can only paint the outside of the headers, while coating goes on the inside and outside. So no, they are not as rust resistant with hi temp paint.

The underhood temps are reduced, and as mentioned previously there is less of a chance of burning wires.

I'd say the main reason is the headers don't rust through.