tenfourtyeight

Every time I want to use the search, it's down.

I was looking at the Downey website, and for my truck there are 2 types of headers. What is the difference between chrome and ceramic headers? They're the same price.

I was just wondering the characteristics of each.

:beaver:

saigon1965

Well no one is saying anything so here goes, I think the ceramic coated is better for all that heat build up, someone is gonna chime in here soon...

MTL_4runner

Chrome is pretty much for show (and some corrosion prevention) while ceramic does add some thermal insulative properties as well. The ceramic is the best way to go in my book but others may have a different view.

Brendan

don't get downey. get headman or doug thorley

lcopelan22

Yeah those hedmann's are cheap and work really good on Yota's. You probably won't have to worry about the chrome or ceramic decision either. They'll come in black or bare metal. Get some of that header paint at the parts store and follow the directions.

Brendan

sorry, i've got it backwards. downey is a good brand. the headmans can be hit and miss with their quality from what i've heard in the past.

tenfourtyeight

I think I'm gonna look at some Downeys. I just saw and heard an old freinds new pickup completely stock, with Downey headers.



With my Cherry Bomb and headers, I would have an eargasm every time I drove!

metalhed

Greetings I have a Chrome Downey header on my 84 pu 22r. Did I notice anything performance wise. Not really, I can hold a gear much longer and do have more power towards the top end, but overall not much.

No improvement in MPG and the sound is the same. I am running the Downey header, into the Downey pipe to the Downey collector, to the cat and out through a glass pac. Fabrication is the word with Downey, you will need to weld the collector to the down pipe and fabricate a gasket at the cat, I used a v-6 gasket and lots of RTV stuff.

The down pipe is a slip joint at the header and held with an exhaust clamp and the collector has to be welded. Looks like the header and collector were all one piece during manafacture, then cut apart to add the down pipe. If I would have known this I would have gone with the LCE header.

From what I have heard, the LCE is a true bolt on affair. The Downey is nice, and I got it new for a GREAT price. I thought the header would do more, but I have to remember that this is not a V-8.

rimpainter.com

Ceramic is your ticket. I agree with Jamie, Chrome is for show.

Headers do not normally improve power throughout the entire rev range, instead they add (and subtract) power in very specific RPM ranges. Get the correct header for your needs.

Ceramic will last longer and keep the underhood temps down.

tenfourtyeight

Anybody ever heard of Thorley Headers?

rimpainter.com

Doug Thorley Tri Y's?

tenfourtyeight

I don't know, I found them here.

Edit: This is what I'm wondering about. Any good?

Edit #2: Is $289 good for that Thorley header I linked to?

rimpainter.com

Those are good. I would get this part number:

part number THY-555Y-C

tenfourtyeight

I was planning on getting ceramic. The guy said they have it in stock. Problem is- I don't have the money in stock. :cry:

GoudyMan

chrome also weakens metal.... thats why i always laugh when i see the guys with lifted trucks that have chrome shocks, torsion bars etc.... i guess its fine for show.... but on a tacoma/ runner i would take function over show any day...

mattco16

Hey. I got a 93 P/U with the 22 RE. Greatest motor ever. I have LC engineering headers on mine. They are ceramic coated and look awesome. I had some pacesetter headers on earlier but they were junk and illegal. These are legal and I love them. Hard to get a lot of performance out of the little 4 banger but I've built it pretty good. I would recommend the LC ones. They have been great and they are legal in CA. I think chrome would eventually peel or wear off. I also have no cat and a flowmaster 40 series with dual pipes out. trick little truck. sounds like a small block at idle; no joke. Hope this helps.

Brendan

how do you get away without a cat in CA? just put it on when you have to go through emissions or what?

mattco16

Yes. I have a straight pipe with a flange at each end and it just bolts on where the cat was. Then when I have to smog it, it just take it off and put the cat back on. However, after doing this I would recommend just getting a legal high flow cat. Having no cat can goof your 02 sensors and give you rough idles and worse mileage. But nothing sounds like a straight pipe!!