Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70c10 · 11-22-2006, 11:12 AM

I saw some stainless headers on ebay from a vendor in TN named skipwhite, that look really nice. He also sells ceramic shorties that look nice. His prices are very reasonable. Just curious if there any known drawbacks to stainless headers as far as finish and durability.

**LockDoc** · 11-22-2006, 11:33 AM

There was a discussion on here a while back about that and I think someone mentioned that after they are heated up a few times they tend to get brittle and crack. At the top of the main page (under the list of pages area) click on "Search This Forum" and type in- satinless headers - then check the "Show Posts" circle.

LockDoc

70c10 · 11-22-2006, 11:37 AM

Thanks LockDoc, I was talking to a buddy of mine a few minutes ago and he said they turn yellow pretty quickly.

Lemield · 11-22-2006, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70c10

I saw some stainless headers on ebay from a vendor in TN named skipwhite, that look really nice. He also sells ceramic shorties that look nice. His prices are very reasonable. Just curious if there any known drawbacks to stainless headers as far as finish and durability.

Can't speak for the headers but I can tell you that skipwhite is an honest guy. I bought an AWESOME chrome 100 amp alternator from him.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 11-22-2006, 12:12 PM

I am by far not an expert on the subject, but a freind of mine that is a metalurgest told me that stainless steel moves too much to make good manifolds. That would make sence as to the cracking that LockDok is speaking about. I also know that the big block GM stainless steel exaust manifolds have an accordian attachment in the center of them witch the purpouse if probably to allow for the movement. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

Boise69 · 11-22-2006, 12:50 PM

All i can add is that Skip White is very easy to deal with and very honest. I bought a starter from them on ebay and it was no good, so no questions asked they ship me a new one and even included a check for 10.00 for my troubles and didnt even ask for me to ship the other starter back.

jamesi20 · 11-22-2006, 01:01 PM

Stainless will move a lot with heating and cooling...the jeep wranglers weny with a stainless steel exhaust manifold and were notorious for cracking.I know mine did!

Americanrider · 11-22-2006, 01:24 PM

I found some Sanderson SS headers for sale on the the local craigslist, so I googled up "Sanderson Headers" and over half of the hits where complaints about cracking, poor fitting ect. ect.

70GMCer · 11-22-2006, 03:55 PM

I would also think that stainless would put off a lot of heat, compared to ceramic coated.

qksilver · 11-22-2006, 11:14 PM

They use stainless on high output turbo engine manifolds but it is a super high grade type. Gale banks sells them for about $3800 a set.

11-22-2006, 11:12 AM	#1
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? I saw some stainless headers on ebay from a vendor in TN named skipwhite, that look really nice. He also sells ceramic shorties that look nice. His prices are very reasonable. Just curious if there any known drawbacks to stainless headers as far as finish and durability. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

11-22-2006, 11:33 AM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 26,083	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? There was a discussion on here a while back about that and I think someone mentioned that after they are heated up a few times they tend to get brittle and crack. At the top of the main page (under the list of pages area) click on "Search This Forum" and type in- satinless headers - then check the "Show Posts" circle. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 11-22-2006 at 11:37 AM.

11-22-2006, 11:37 AM	#3
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? Thanks LockDoc, I was talking to a buddy of mine a few minutes ago and he said they turn yellow pretty quickly. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

11-22-2006, 12:12 PM	#5
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? I am by far not an expert on the subject, but a freind of mine that is a metalurgest told me that stainless steel moves too much to make good manifolds. That would make sence as to the cracking that LockDok is speaking about. I also know that the big block GM stainless steel exaust manifolds have an accordian attachment in the center of them witch the purpouse if probably to allow for the movement. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

11-22-2006, 12:50 PM	#6
Boise69 The Hammer Man Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 864	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? All i can add is that Skip White is very easy to deal with and very honest. I bought a starter from them on ebay and it was no good, so no questions asked they ship me a new one and even included a check for 10.00 for my troubles and didnt even ask for me to ship the other starter back.

11-22-2006, 01:01 PM	#7
jamesi20 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: NORTHEAST OHIO Posts: 494	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? Stainless will move a lot with heating and cooling...the jeep wranglers weny with a stainless steel exhaust manifold and were notorious for cracking.I know mine did!

11-22-2006, 01:24 PM	#8
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? I found some Sanderson SS headers for sale on the the local craigslist, so I googled up "Sanderson Headers" and over half of the hits where complaints about cracking, poor fitting ect. ect. Last edited by Americanrider; 11-22-2006 at 01:24 PM.

11-22-2006, 03:55 PM	#9
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? I would also think that stainless would put off a lot of heat, compared to ceramic coated. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

11-22-2006, 11:14 PM	#10
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Are stainless steel headers better than ceramic?? They use stainless on high output turbo engine manifolds but it is a super high grade type. Gale banks sells them for about $3800 a set.



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