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Ceramic headers Vs Stainless

 
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Old Nov 9, 2003
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Ceramic headers Vs Stainless

Im deciding weather to get the DC Stainless steel ot the ceramic for my ep3. Can someone tell me the difference between the two? Pros & Cons, Ne thing thanks
Old Nov 10, 2003
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yeah, ceramic headers hold in heat more, so your engine bay wont be as hot when you have them on, but ceramic headers tend to crack over time. stainless steel headers dont hold in heat too well and tends to be hotter under the hood, but last you longer.
Old Nov 10, 2003
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Thanks, that helps
Old Nov 10, 2003
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Originally posted by Da1lyDr1ver
yeah, ceramic headers hold in heat more, so your engine bay wont be as hot when you have them on, but ceramic headers tend to crack over time. stainless steel headers dont hold in heat too well and tends to be hotter under the hood, but last you longer.
That's not right.
Ceramic does hold more heat, but the milder steel used to make the header is also more ductile and less succeptable to weld cracks.
Stainless looks pretty, but is not nearly as durable. The welds also crack a lot easier.
Old Nov 10, 2003
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Originally posted by Boilermaker1
That's not right.
Ceramic does hold more heat, but the milder steel used to make the header is also more ductile and less succeptable to weld cracks.
Stainless looks pretty, but is not nearly as durable. The welds also crack a lot easier.
I second that. A-Men, Boilermaker1!
Old Nov 10, 2003
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Dont get Dc Stay away from da Dc
Old Nov 10, 2003
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yea I have heard bad things about DC but my ceramic headers keep it ALOT cooler under the hood. spend the extra and get ceramic. they look just as good.
Old Nov 11, 2003
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--> tech
Old Nov 11, 2003
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Actually Ceramic is cheaper then stainless isn't it?
Anyways, another downside to ceramic is it breaks down over time and even faster if you live in harsh climates. Road salt eats away at ceramic.

I say go with stainless steel. If you're not worried about looks, then just get some header wrap to keep the temp low in the engine bay.
Old Nov 11, 2003
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I was always told that stainless is less likely to crack and last longer

stainless is more expensive
(steel)
ceramic is less expensive
(vs mild steel)



I belive ceramic coated headers will keep heat in better vs stainless beacuse of the coating.
Old Nov 11, 2003
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And cast Iron is cheaper than both of them... but guess what? If you want a turbo manifold that will last a long time with no problems... you get a cast iron one! Stock headers/manifolds are made of cast iron... honestly, I've never seen a stock manifold break. Iron is some of the cheapest most durable stuff you can buy. So price isn't everything.
Stainless has less carbon in it than a mild steel, more molybendium. That makes it stay shiny, but also makes it more brittle.
You have to pull up property tables of these things at elevated temperatures... I would find them, but I just don't have time to do it right now. I got too much school work at the moment.
Old Nov 11, 2003
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yo

I have a civic 2K3, ex. I bought the ceramic headers, to be honest, im impressed with them, i noticed a big difference right away, Im ordering the dual canister exhaust system in a few weeks from dc sports to go with it. THe install is tit, 5 bolts on the manifold, and 2 spring bolts connecting it to the exhaust. Just be careful so u can reuse the gasket. :_beer:
Old Nov 15, 2003
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Which brand is the best for the price? Does is make a difference if i get the 4-1 or the 4-2-1?
Old Nov 15, 2003
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i had a ceramic dc header when it first came out for our 7th gens...damn thing cracked after about 1 1/2 years....it had a hairline fracture where the primaries meet the collector...****in sucked...so i stayed away from dc forever and now have a Top Speed SS Header/Straightpipe, and i'd stick with the SS....strictly my opinion!
Old Nov 17, 2003
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how would you know if your headers are cracked?
Old Nov 17, 2003
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Re: yo

Originally posted by Joey_Zazza
I have a civic 2K3, ex. I bought the ceramic headers, to be honest, im impressed with them, i noticed a big difference right away, Im ordering the dual canister exhaust system in a few weeks from dc sports to go with it. THe install is tit, 5 bolts on the manifold, and 2 spring bolts connecting it to the exhaust. Just be careful so u can reuse the gasket.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^what the hell are you talking about did you even read the thread?^^^^
Old Nov 17, 2003
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It depends on why you're buying them. If you want something that looks good, stainless may fit the bill. If you want performance, ceramic is the way to go. Ceramic coated headers help with exhaust velocities (keeps exhaust stream hotter) and keeps the engine compartment cooler.

You can Jet Hot coat a well built mild steel header header if you don't like the ceramic offerings currently available. Don't know if it works on stainless or not.
Old Nov 17, 2003
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lol

acidbaby, cant understand u....get my nutz off ur chin buddy.
Old Dec 6, 2003
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Originally posted by PaCiFiKbAllA
i had a ceramic dc header when it first came out for our 7th gens...damn thing cracked after about 1 1/2 years....it had a hairline fracture where the primaries meet the collector...****in sucked...so i stayed away from dc forever and now have a Top Speed SS Header/Straightpipe, and i'd stick with the SS....strictly my opinion!

Didnt they have a warranty???
Old Dec 6, 2003
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Re: lol

Originally posted by Joey_Zazza
acidbaby, cant understand u....get my nutz off ur chin buddy.
you just lost a point for your stupid remark
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Old Dec 6, 2003
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haha
Old Dec 6, 2003
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Originally posted by whoatemyrice
how would you know if your headers are cracked?
well, there will be the noise.. you should be able to hear the link... and the exhaust volume should be louder, depending on the size of the crack..

and you can definitely smell it..
Old Jan 20, 2004
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Originally posted by Boilermaker1
And cast Iron is cheaper than both of them... but guess what? If you want a turbo manifold that will last a long time with no problems... you get a cast iron one! Stock headers/manifolds are made of cast iron... honestly, I've never seen a stock manifold break. Iron is some of the cheapest most durable stuff you can buy. So price isn't everything.
Stainless has less carbon in it than a mild steel, more molybendium. That makes it stay shiny, but also makes it more brittle.
You have to pull up property tables of these things at elevated temperatures... I would find them, but I just don't have time to do it right now. I got too much school work at the moment.
I did see a stock manifold break...A big hole.
 
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