Ceramic or Stainless Steel Header? - Honda Prelude Forum

L-U-R-C-H · 09-24-2002, 10:48 AM

I am thinking about getting a header AFTER I buy my DC Sports cat-back exhaust system. Should I go with a Ceramic header or a Stainless Steel header? I heard that the ceramic headers will eventually peel and then they are no good. But stainless steel, they are supposed to be better...

Can someone please help me out here?

Note: I have an AEM Cold Air Intake system as well. I am going to be getting a DC Sports cat-back exhaust system also (is this good as well?)

Absolut · 09-24-2002, 11:12 AM

SS is more expensive, and will discolor after your first drive.
CC doesn't look all the great to begin with, but I dont think the coating peels off.

Either way, same performance. If you have a show car, go with the SS, if you want to save a little money, go with the CC.

L-U-R-C-H · 09-24-2002, 11:17 AM

So the ceramic headers WILL last just as long as the stainless steel ones?

brendon2k · 09-24-2002, 11:37 AM

The ceramic won't peel. It will keep the same look. The stainless one will look like a rainbow of colors after a week. Stainless cost more and looks better for a few days.

L-U-R-C-H · 09-24-2002, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by brendon2k
The ceramic won't peel. It will keep the same look. The stainless one will look like a rainbow of colors after a week. Stainless cost more and looks better for a few days.

So if the Ceramic headers keep their color and they are cheaper, should I just go with them?

Absolut · 09-24-2002, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by L-U-R-C-H

So if the Ceramic headers keep their color and they are cheaper, should I just go with them?

Yes. Buy the ceramic headers.

red92si · 09-24-2002, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by L-U-R-C-H
So if the Ceramic headers keep their color and they are cheaper, should I just go with them?

The Ceramic also keeps the heat in, which gives a little more power. Engine bay temps also are cooler than with SS.

vile10 · 09-24-2002, 03:12 PM

i don't think they are different performance wise, but theorically SS should last longer than ceramic

N8_94SI · 09-24-2002, 03:35 PM

I just installed my ceramic dc sport header yesterday and it looks great... + I got a pretty good deal off ebay, $315 shipped... I can definitely tell a difference in performance, and to my knowledge there is no difference performance wise in the Ceramic and SS.

L-U-R-C-H · 09-24-2002, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by N8_94SI
I just installed my ceramic dc sport header yesterday and it looks great... + I got a pretty good deal off ebay, $315 shipped... I can definitely tell a difference in performance, and to my knowledge there is no difference performance wise in the Ceramic and SS.

Hehe that sucks. I can get them brand new from www.import-store.com for $309.79 shipped

vile10 · 09-24-2002, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by L-U-R-C-H

Hehe that sucks. I can get them brand new from www.import-store.com for $309.79 shipped

you joined the forum over there yet? enjoy your good price over there, and Justin will hook you up

ShadowSonic · 09-25-2002, 11:22 AM

Do guys know any other places with deals like those, whats the dudes name justin?

vile10 · 09-25-2002, 03:38 PM

go to www.import-store.com and check it out yourself, i brought LURCH there and seems like he likes the price

or you can post specifically what you want, i can probably give you some good hints

L-U-R-C-H · 09-26-2002, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vile10
go to www.import-store.com and check it out yourself, i brought LURCH there and seems like he likes the price

or you can post specifically what you want, i can probably give you some good hints

Yeah! www.Import-Store.com is the cheapest site that I know of.

AccordSleeper · 09-26-2002, 11:42 AM

If you live in a cold climate get SS cause ceramic will crack sooner from temp extremes and road salt in the winter. If you got a VTEC lude go Greddy and screw DC. The temp difference is not noticeable between CC and SS.

Mark94 · 09-26-2002, 12:04 PM

I agree, go with SS if at all possible. I don't think L-U-R-C-H has a VTEC but if anyone else does and is considering a header, go with GReddy. I've had mine for almost two years and I couldn't be happier. I actually like the color it turns to!

Spend the extra money and get the SS, it will last longer and look nicer.

Mark

L-U-R-C-H · 09-26-2002, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark94
I agree, go with SS if at all possible. I don't think L-U-R-C-H has a VTEC but if anyone else does and is considering a header, go with GReddy. I've had mine for almost two years and I couldn't be happier. I actually like the color it turns to!

Spend the extra money and get the SS, it will last longer and look nicer.

Mark

I have a 1993 VTEC Mark. I live in Iowa...what do ya think?

Mark94 · 09-26-2002, 01:06 PM

Oh......sorry about that, I thought you had an Si.

Since you have the VTEC, go with the GReddy SS. I didn't notice an increase in underhood temps, and the primaries on the GReddy are larger than the DC units (both ceramic and SS).

It's definitely worth the extra money. I've heard of some ceramic headers cracking, some peeling, etc. The SS is just piece of mind for me.

Mark

L-U-R-C-H · 09-27-2002, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark94
Oh......sorry about that, I thought you had an Si.

Since you have the VTEC, go with the GReddy SS. I didn't notice an increase in underhood temps, and the primaries on the GReddy are larger than the DC units (both ceramic and SS).

It's definitely worth the extra money. I've heard of some ceramic headers cracking, some peeling, etc. The SS is just piece of mind for me.

Mark

But why Greddy over DC Sports???

4thGVtec · 09-27-2002, 09:10 AM

the greddy design is 10x better than DC's the header comes farther out off the head then curves down.. if you looks at a DC header, the pipes do a very strange crossing and then finaly go together. on the Greddy, cyl4 comes down and goes strait to cyl1, 2 and 3 drop strait down and merge, basical the flow on the greddy is better. i know someone who switched from DC to gerddy and has since droped .1 sec off his 1/4 mile time between the 2 headers. DC is cheap.,. their flanges are rumored to rust, and besides... greddy is a MUCH more reputable brand.