Rebuilding my 3.8 III engine on 99 camaro. Does anyone know if there is a significant difference on ceramic vs mild steel Pace Setter headers. There are three things I have learned and I welcome new knowledge.
1. Looks~ ceramic will look better longer
2. Temperature~ under the tight hood already, temperature will be minimized by ceramic.
3. Price~ $210.00 on steel and $345.00 on ceramic.
Item 1, I think I can live with.
Item 3, would help in the pocket book on rebuiling my engine.
Item 2, Is there a huge difference on radiant heat from either type of header. My understanding you want to keep the heat in so that it can escape quicker and keep the temperature down inside the motor. But then stock manifolds their not coated. Any experience or knowledge is welcomed. Oh, also I live in the dry part of the county. If we get 10 inches of rain a year we are breaking records.

 

If heat is the only issue you care about wrap the headers. Like $30 a roll.

 

i was looking into ceramic headers for my 67 camaro today and they said wrapping your headers can cut the life expantacy for them by 2/3 rds. I would pay to get the ceramic ones now rather than having to buy another set down the road. them. The wrap tends to keep moisture in and with the very high temperatures the metal just goes to junk. Wrapping creates better HP but its not worth it to have to buy them again

 

I have SLP stainless steel headers. When I bought them ,I just thought Ceramic coating was just a expensive appearance item. Now I wish I would have spent the money, because underhood temperatures are way hotter now then with the stock cast iron maniflod. The best way is stainless & ceramic coating..