[Dead Parrot]

I went with a ceramic coated budget brand 20+ years ago. Sadly, don't remember the brand. Purchased through JEGS. First set had matching poor leaking welds at the collectors. JEGS replaced but still a PITA to install, discover defect, arrange for RMA, uninstall, ship, wait, reinstall.

<edit add - Dynomax was the brand > Don't think they sell headers anymore.

2nd set didn't leak but had a not square #1 cylinder flange making the gasket match poor fit. Of course, that side has the AC compressor so a lot more trouble to replace gaskets.

Had frequent gasket leaks until got some of the copper manifold gaskets and had the exhaust shop simply weld the exhaust piping to the collector pipe. Been trouble free since.

Showing a bit of rust from road dings but still in good shape otherwise.

My take away from this is research fit and quality first then get the ceramic coated version of the model you select.

I don't remember there being any special break in required but it was 20+ years ago.