My header is pretty rusty on the surface, though far from having structural problems.

Ideally, I'd like to have both a cooler engine bay and an attractive header, but it seems that coating the header will only help the aesthetics and the prevention of rust... and at a price.

I've read about Jet Hot 2000 that is good to 3000F momentarily and 2000F prolonged. I know they can coat them inside and out.

For a cooler engine bay, I've read about the header wraps. I've even seen some of the colored wraps that aren't terribly ugly.

I'm currently (today, anyway) inclined to go the coating route on the header and let my brother make a kickass heatshield (he already has measurements) that would go between the header and the intake plenum. He is a masterful fabricator. But the black or silver wrap with stainless ties would save serious dollars. What to do...

Are stainless steel headers available ?

Anybody out there with experienced opinions with either or both of these methods?

 

Go for the ceramic coating. While more expensive up front, it will drop engine bay temps and help the headers last longer. Header wrap has been known to shorten header life due to trapping moisture and accellerating the rusting process.

 

how much does ceramic coating usually go for?

as far as stainless steel header SDJ is your best bet. search for my thread

 

I've seen prices ranging from 150-250. Coating the inside is more important than the outside for heat retention and preserving the header. If coated on the inside only, there is no need for header wrap.