Header and side pipe advice needed

[Walrus]

I really could use some advice.

In thinking about headers and side pipes for my Kirkham, in which I’m planning to stuff a 427, I ran across some commentary that indicated stainless steel was better than mild steel, not only with regards external finish, but because headers will, over time, corrode internally and damaging iron oxide particles and flakes can be drawn into the engine on startup and shutdown. The engine I’m getting is pretty costly, and so it would seem to make sense to err on the cautious, albeit more expensive, side and get stainless headers and pipes.

I’m not sure which of the Kirkham brothers I spoke with, but whomever it was indicated to me that they don’t have a source for stainless headers and pipes.

In talking with the guy who’s building the engine, I was told to be careful with headers and pipes, as some were excessively restrictive and robbed power.

I found, on the web, a source called Stainless Works in Ohio, who quoted the headers and pipes to me that they make for the Factory Five.

So I’m asking for suggestions and/or opinions as follows:

- Is there, and what are, benefit(s) or drawbacks from stainless headers and pipes?
- If the headers, alone, are stainless, is that sufficient to avoid the “corrosion suck-up” problem, assuming that the “problem” is not just bilge?
- Does anyone have any experience with Stainless Works?
- Has anyone gotten stainless headers from other fabricators?
- Does anyone have suggestions regarding manufacturers of the least restrictive headers?
- Will headers and pipes fabricated for a Factory Five fit a Kirkham?

All suggestions appreciated