I understand the myriad number of posts regarding headers and I am fairly certain my questions are unique. I do not want to beat a dead horse, so please bear with my noob-ness.

I am hoping to replace the exhaust on my 2002 RWD Silverado 1500 LS. It has a 5.3 Gen III Vortec 323 and the only mod is a K&N CAI. This is my daily commuter and is frequently used on multi-hundred mile road trips.

I am set on Ceramic LT's but have a questions before I can pull the trigger. Based on a Summit Racing search, I found only 3 sets of LT ceramic headers for my truck:
PaceSetter 72C2265 $406.95
Hooker 2851-1HKR $719.95
Hooker 2850-1HKR $595.95

Where else can I look for ceramic LTs? All of these are ceramic-coated steel, so should I be concerned about the longevity of the headers? Are there manufacturers of ceramic coated stainless or other more corrosion-resistant materials? Should I be concerned with damage to ceramic LTs? Also, is it possible to have a third party apply a ceramic coat to a pair of stainless headers? Although I live in Atlanta and don't see much snow or salt in Georgia, I do (albeit rarely) drive this truck out of state though some salted roads (I wash it as soon after as possible). I also regularly drive on gravel and dirt roads, but nothing requiring 4WD. I would like to make sure all precautions are taken to ensure these headers last.

 

Could another option be to purchase stainless steel headers and a ceramic shield for keeping engine bay heat down?

 

I'm still hoping someone can shed some light on the differences between the Hooker 2850-1HKR and Hooker 2851-1HKR.

The 2850 has a thinner tube than the 2851. Will this help minimize my losses on the low end moving to LTs?

Thank you.

 

Look at Texas speed the have stainless headers cheaper than pacesetter