Yet another header/sidepipe thread
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Yet another header/sidepipe thread
Ok, I am sure this has been covered before, so I ask forgiveness from the forum gods.
I am about to order a new set of hooker headers and sidepipes (1976) and I know this thread is going to end with the phrase "personal choice" but- I still want to hear some thoughts.
I know the heat suppressing benefits of ceramic coating, but I just feel like it leaves the finish looking milky....
Stainless- seems the best choice for longevity and if I want to weld something onto them later (which I dont really see a need for, but I guess you never know), but even then it doesn't seem as shiny as-
CHROME!
Now, I know, eventually it chips and and rust will start in those areas, and the turning blue thing, I'm ambivalent about that. But there just doesn't seem to be anything that is so bright and shiny as chrome!
As far as chipping, the car doesn't see a lot of miles. None long distance really, with the 3.73 rear end.
The pecking order around my house is-daily driver Hyundai Santa Fe, stretching my legs a little, I get out the C4. When I really feel the need for stupid speed, the `76 comes out. So maybe a thousand or two miles a year....
and so... what do you all think?
I am about to order a new set of hooker headers and sidepipes (1976) and I know this thread is going to end with the phrase "personal choice" but- I still want to hear some thoughts.
I know the heat suppressing benefits of ceramic coating, but I just feel like it leaves the finish looking milky....
Stainless- seems the best choice for longevity and if I want to weld something onto them later (which I dont really see a need for, but I guess you never know), but even then it doesn't seem as shiny as-
CHROME!
Now, I know, eventually it chips and and rust will start in those areas, and the turning blue thing, I'm ambivalent about that. But there just doesn't seem to be anything that is so bright and shiny as chrome!
As far as chipping, the car doesn't see a lot of miles. None long distance really, with the 3.73 rear end.
The pecking order around my house is-daily driver Hyundai Santa Fe, stretching my legs a little, I get out the C4. When I really feel the need for stupid speed, the `76 comes out. So maybe a thousand or two miles a year....
and so... what do you all think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 48
From: westland mi
i love chrome but never again on my Hookers. 1st of all they look awesome in the eng bay till your 1st startup n then they turn colors n then bout 4yrs down the road rust will start to appear n then it's time to send them to jethot to have them stripped n jet coated. it didn't matter how meticulous i was, i keep my vette parked on carpet n it never sees rain or a hose. these r my new Hooker headers from JetHot. 1st thing i did when i got them from JetHot was take some Mothers metal polish to em to remove the residue from the jetcoating n they shine up nice. i do the Mothers thing a couple times a yr on them to keep them looking shiny.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
i love chrome but never again on my Hookers. 1st of all they look awesome in the eng bay till your 1st startup n then they turn colors n then bout 4yrs down the road rust will start to appear n then it's time to send them to jethot to have them stripped n jet coated. it didn't matter how meticulous i was, i keep my vette parked on carpet n it never sees rain or a hose. these r my new Hooker headers from JetHot. 1st thing i did when i got them from JetHot was take some Mothers metal polish to em to remove the residue from the jetcoating n they shine up nice. i do the Mothers thing a couple times a yr on them to keep them looking shiny.
Where would one find Mothers metal polish?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski