Exhaust Decision Time

[Texas Driver]

I am clicking the order button today on a MK4. Kinda excited I gotta tell ya. Finally opted for the Coyote build, even though I feel like I am cheating on the big block nostalgia
My question is do I get the "no extra cost" option for the headers and purchase from another vendor or go with the ceramic coated shorties? I have seen several having issues with headers on the Coyote and want to avoid that is possible. I plan on powder coating all the chrome to black so I am not looking for stainless pipes.
Any help would be great and much appreciated. Can't wait to start my build thread, even though I am not much of a talker so it may turn out to just be a bunch of pictures and not many words.

[Railroad]

I ordered FFR 4 into 1 stainless headers. They are impressively built, no welding splatter, excellent welds, with a bare stainless finish. Although not running yet, they installed without any fit issues and look great.
The O2 bungs are there too. I would avoid the headers and J pipes.
There are numerous options on the side pipes and I have no experience with use or comparisons.

[frd2]

Check interference with factory ac compressor location if you plan that.

[edwardb]

X2 on the 4-into-1 SS headers. Vastly superior to the standard 15442 ROADSTER COYOTE STRAIGHT TUBES. Those have issues with durability and also penalize performance. I haven't personally used the Factory Five 4-into-1 headers, but multiple reports that they are quality pieces. When I did #8674, they weren't available so purchased similar parts from GP Headers. They work great and are bulletproof. You mention powder coat to black out all the shiny stuff. Assume you know you can't powder coat the side pipes. It won't hold up to the heat. You can either black ceramic coat or paint the standard plain steel side pipes. I'd personally recommend paint over spending the money to have them ceramic coated. You may find they're pretty loud and get louder over time. Just depends on what you're comfortable with.

Don't feel like you're cheating with the Coyote. It's awesome in these cars.