Mr.Nubain

Hey now!

I finally bought some Long Tube headers for my C6. I've always wanted LT's ever since owning my first Vette 7 years ago and I finally pulled the trigger. I'm super pumped to get them installed this Spring. However, should I get them ceramic coated? They are stainless steel already, so I don't know if it's worth the extra $ to coat them, other than heat concerns.

What's a reasonable price to pay for coating and what's a good place to get it done.

Thank you for the suggestions.

DillingerRadio

Get 'em coated.

As far as price and the rest goes- not sure actually. I don't have headers in my 'Vette and I put the ceramics in my '69 Camaro so long ago I don't remember how much I paid for them

lebvette

Getting them coated doesn't seem to be a big deal in this forum. I know the guys that are supercharged seem to like them coated, but for NA engines the heat doesn't seem as bad. I do have mine coated, because that's what I wanted, but I bought mine already coated on the inside and out, so I can't give you a price.
No doubt they will be cooler, tho.

0FederalPerformance

Its worth it! It literally takes one minute for them to cool down enough to touch after a dyno run. For around 250$ you should go for it!

Matt
Federal Performance

C7/Z06 Man

What the hell happen here! Seems just yesterday the buzz was don't waste your money getting your SS headers coated with a good ceramic coating.

Well I have a NA (naturally aspirated) engine and decided to have mine coated in silver after running them for a good while, including at the track.

Results: Right off the bat I picked up mph running more fuel and in worst air. My best "ever" before the coating was 122.01 mph and now 122.80 running the same stuff. Even if that did not happen the lower under hood heat made it worth every penny for me. Oh, and the stainless will discolor but a good ceramic won't; keeps that real clean look.

PS: To offer proof of "before & after" with pics and some time slips see: Page 5, Post #99 starts the ceramic coating part.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-american.html

timd38

My header supplier told me that I was pissing money away having them coated. After being on for two years with no scratches or dings, I had them coated. They jsut look better.

They won't last any longer, but they will look better longer.

Mr.Nubain

Thank you for the responses. I guess I'll have to see if it'll fit in my budget.

hungryhippo

I regret not coating mine. But if your headrrs are used, it might be a lot of extra work to clean them first so surface rust and soot aren't trapped under the coating. It's usually best/cheapest to have the vendor coat them.

C7/Z06 Man

I have had used headers coated before and the company that does the coating will do whatever preparation is required for their coating/warranty. I have been told that even new headers may be prep so the coating adheres better.

SERENITY_NOW

Coated mine 9 years ago, worth every penny, they look like new.

PassNU

Thats it. If you want them to look good down the road, coat them. If you go to the strip and want to squeeze every tenth off your time, coat them. If you drive the car every day, or even just on the weekend and aren't worried specifically about how it looks after years, or getting it on the track…don't waste your money.

I don't know that opinions have changed, just depends on the audience at the time.

SUB VETTE

Mine aren't coated and I'm happy with them. They are blued now from the heat but look fine to me. If you are not happy with the blue look, spend the money and get them coated. For me, I opted to spend the money on other mods. Pretty much a personal taste decision.

glennhl

Carbon steel headers: Coat

400 series stainless headers: Coat

300 series stainless headers: Do not coat (or just do for the bling)