So my truck needs replacement manifolds. I got summit headers and a spd y pipe and had them nickel plated.
Before


After


Will get more pics after install

 

why the nickel plated vs Ceramic coating? Ceramic will hold the heat in better.

 

Do the same thing with the rear brake backing plates. Those headers sure look kewl! How much did you get charged?

 

Friend of a friend does nickel plating. Haven't paid him anything yet but I'm sure 50 bucks and a case of beer will settle the deal.

I was gunna paint them with high temp paint and wrap them but this just seemed like the cheaper easier opition.

 

well being your friend can do this work that's a win for sure. otherwise Ceramic coating would be the ticket.

once they get good and hot they will change colors. I would recommend the best gaskets you can afford, I like Percy gaskets myself.

 

Ya I saw some reviews that said the supplied gaskets are junk. What should I be looking for in a gasket? What makes a header gasket a good quality gasket?

 

Well the Percy gaskets I have used in the past an a multi layer gasket they are thick and once you see them you will understand why they work so well. Are you planning to install these or have a shop do them? Good quality locking header bolts are a must as well. When I have installed headers on my Bronco I used a bolt 1" long due to the gasket thickness and the header flange thickness. This ensures plenty of bolt being threaded into the heads.