Here is the gospel, according to hotshot.... Unfortunately, it doesn't mention what I heard before, so as far as you guys know, my claim is groundless, but this reply was usefull for other reasons... here it is:
Hello -
>
> Me again. We are having a discussion in the nissan forums regarding the
> materials used to build the GA16 Header. We don't understand fully why
> you use mild steel with the ceramic clear coat, but on the SR20 header,
> you use Stainless. I was hoping you could help us figure that out.
>
>
http://www.nissanforums.com/showthread.php?p=863546&posted=1#post863546
>
> Thanks!
The only SR20 header that uses stainless is the Gen 6, and since it was sold
as a race only header, we were able to price it accordingly. Please be aware
that the taiwan and overseas knock offs are NOT built out of the same
material, and although they are advertised and sold as "stainless" they use
a mystery alloy, and a VERY thin walled tube. As for their lifetime
warranty, it does not exist.
The mild steel used in the GA16 headers is very thick and does not crack.
Thanks
John
Hotshot