what is the differance between ceramic and stainless steel headers and 4-2-1 and 4-1 and which are better for racing and should i get ceramic or stainless steel headers???? for a 98 civic
1) 4-1 is less restrictive than 4-2-1. However 4-2-1 are more common since they are cheaper to make and sometimes easier to install. 4-1 headers are usually more expensive and are more commonly used in racing applications.
2) Ceramic headers are cheaper than Stainless Steel ones. Ceramic headers are made of mild steel with a ceramic coating. This is great for reducing heat. Good for spirited street driving. Ceramic headers require more attention since the coating can chip (rust & cracks develop where there's a chip in the coating), and mild steel just isn't as strong as stainless steel and dents easier when going over speed bumps.
Stainless Steel headers are a lot more durable and are stronger. Most of the high end headers (ANR, SMSP, Hytech) are made of stainless steel.
For racing applications, most racers go with stainless steel. Some go with 4-2-1 some with 4-1. Some racers wrap their headers to reduce heat in the engine bay.
The top two are of 4-1 design.
Good luck, have fun.
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