[fuzzypuppy]

I got my shorties from JEGS, Flowtech's, bolted up perfectly same 3/8" flange, had them on a year now and only re'torqued them after the initial heatup, used quality felpro gaskets etc.
no not all headers are equal, but for the "daily driver" all mid priced headers are, a max $200.00 set of headers do the job just fine.
the job of the header is to open up the flow,
a set of expensive custom designed headers will knock a few mili seconds off the et of a serious performance machine, those high nickel chromed headers look nice on a show machine, but are un'necessary on an everyday driver, the extra money would be better spent on other goodies.
I got the "jet coated" Flowtech's to keep engine bay heat down but thats it,
the adition of headers will change the sound very little if the rest of the exhaust is left, as well the benifits from headers are few if the rest of the exhaust is left stock,
the whole reason for headers is "performance" not only horse power, but add'ed mpg, the change in sound and sound level comes more from a good high flow muffler and cat,
if anything get a mid'priced brand named set of headers and spend the money saved not buy'ing the high priced set of headers on the rest of your exhaust system,
Dont believe me though, install just the headers and run it, then change the rest of your exhaust to 3" and high flow componants, you'll see the difference only after the whole system is upgraded.