How to Choose Materials and Coatings for Dodge Ram 1500 Headers: Where Durability Meets Style

One of the best upgrades you can make to your intake and exhaust system is a set of new headers. New headers will help exhaust gases flow more efficiently, which results in more horsepower and torque. Plus, headers will improve the way your truck sounds, and the right headers look awesome under the hood. While you might be in a hurry to find some cool-looking, high-performance headers, stick around for a moment, because choosing the right setup is crucial. Read our guide to learn how to choose materials and coatings for Dodge Ram 1500 headers.

A Quick Refresher on Short Tube vs Long Tube headers

When it comes to short tube vs long tube headers this is something you should decide on, even before you think about materials and coatings. In short, long tube headers are more well-rounded and offer a lot of power in the mid to high RPM ranges. Plus, you'll notice a boost in low RPM power due to better all-around exhaust gas flow. Shorties, on the other hand, are great for low-end torque and horsepower, but less horsepower in the mid to high RPM ranges. While this usually isn't great for muscle cars, it's not a bad thing for trucks, especially if you tow a lot with your Dodge Ram 1500. Typically, shorties are more affordable than long tube headers, but materials and coatings can play a role.

How to Choose Materials for Dodge Ram 1500 Headers

Before we even get into the coatings, wraps, and all that fun stuff, it's important to cover the materials that you can choose for your header setup. Typically, your options come down to steel, but it's the type of steel that really makes a difference. In fact, you even have to know what type of stainless steel you're looking at before you make a decision. Learn more about your options below, along with why they may make sense.

304 Stainless Steel Headers

When it comes to the best header material, 304 stainless steel is among the best. Brands like Stainless Works offer great headers with 304 stainless steel, and while it's a more expensive material, it's well worth it. This is due to the fact that 304 stainless steel is a high-nickel alloy that contains around 18-20% chromium and 8-10% nickel. The result? Shiny-looking exhaust pipes that will stay that way, even if you don't have the best coating on them. Still, many brands offer these headers with ceramic coatings that further seal them off from the impact of rust and corrosion. If you live in an area with all four seasons, and you don't want to replace the headers or remove rust, 304 stainless steel is a great choice.

409 Stainless Steel Headers

Another stainless steel option is 409 stainless steel. This is a more affordable option that's great for heat resistance. It only has around half a percent of nickel and 10 to 12% chromium. While it's great for temperature resistance, it's more susceptible to corrosion, rust, and other issues. Thankfully, the type of surface rust that you'll find on 409 stainless steel can be fixed with a wire brush or something similar. You can expect around nine or ten years before you have to replace the headers, and even longer if you don't live in snowy regions.

How to Choose Dodge Ram 1500 Coatings and Wraps

When it comes to keeping your headers happy and healthy, you have two options. You can wrap them, or you can go with a coating. Now, coatings tend to be a great option for longevity, but did you know that header wraps can improve performance? Learn about both options below.

Ceramic Coatings

The best thing you can do for your headers, if longevity is a concern, is a ceramic coating. When you coat your headers with ceramic, you'll mildly reduce heat from building up under the hood, and the main benefit is that you won't have to worry as much about corrosion. Most headers come with some type of coating on them, but you may have to apply the coating again after three to five years. This is because ceramic coatings wear down over time.

Header Wraps

When it comes to header wraps, you can keep the temperature under the hood lower. Adding header wraps to your headers will seal exhaust gases inside the system, so you don't have to worry about as much exhaust heat leakage. Plus, options like Prosport Black Fiberglass Header Wrap look awesome under the hood. Header wraps will also prevent some corrosion and damage, so you get some extra protection along with better performance. That said, header wraps can sometimes cause issues with corrosion if moisture gets caught inside.

Get the Dodge Ram 1500 Headers You Need Today

The best header material and coating comes down to your needs, but one of the best options is always 304 stainless steel and ceramic coating. For specific racing events, however, 409 stainless steel and header wraps may be the right choice. Have additional questions about header materials and coatings? Talk to our sales techs for more assistance.