H/E questions...

Okay, I know these are noob questions, but I'd like to find out from people who've gotten the items, as opposed to a "spend more money" biased book.

Ceramic coated or stainless steel header, which is better? Is there a difference, or is it just cosmetics?

Second, exhausts. Cat-back systems, or custom piping?

Thanks for your help all.

it's all a matter of how much you have to spend. Aslong as the ceramic coating doesn't come off, the header won't rust. As for the exhaust, I've heard custom ones that sound a hell of a lot better than catback systems and vice versa. The thing with custom is that if you go to an exhaust shop that is reputable they can pretty much tune the exhaust note to however you want it to sound like.

The header coating is really a matter of preference. In addition to what GS said, stainless will discolor slightly when heated.

Regarding the exhaust - I'd recommend custom piping. It'll cost you about the same either way (depending on the shop/manufacturer), but custom piping it eliminates the risks that the exhaust will not fit properly or that it will hang too low.

Ceramic materials have higher resistance to heat therefore keeping your engine bay cooler. It all depends how the header was made.

As was already said, Ceramic headers tend to disapate heat better, which is suppose to keep the engine bay a little cooler. Of course, some people don't think they "look as nice," but if it's a good cermaic coating that won't come off, I'd get that one (plus they are less expensive). As for exhuast, as GScivic7 said, I have seen some nice custom systems as well as ones where a cat-back bought system is better. A good, custom system build ny a reputable body shop though should sound good and give good power, and the cost won't be any more. Plus, as was mentioned, you can have them run the piping to aviod clearence problems, and they can tune the volume and sound to your liking with resonators and custom piping, etc. I'd go the custom piping route and a cermaic header if you want my 2 cents, but it's really up to you.

The header coating is really a matter of preference. In addition to what GS said, stainless will discolor slightly when heated.
Yah it's from the oils in your hands and ish from when you touch it, then it heats up and gets all discolored. IMO I think it looks pretty cool, but thats about it.

ya it does looke cool, its likr rainbowish lookin

ya it does looke cool, its likr rainbowish lookin
Yah, kinda like the reflection off of a oil spill. Looks cool.

Thanks all, gotta get that tax return now, hehehe...

Thanks all, gotta get that tax return now, hehehe...

I'm getting mine soon too. :evillol: I'm still trying to decide what to do with the money.