Their dyno plot has been a topic of much discussion around here. I would not expect their "claimed" gains at all.
I gained 11hp ~9tq w/ the headers and their y-pipe over stock manifolds and sho-y-pipe (w/ cat).
If I could ever find my dyno plots on my system, I would post them...(i'm at work right now). I don't have a "true" baseline...so I don't know what its like stock vs. headers w/ y-pipe...
As far as being more expensive.
not really.
if you consider he's giving you the option for "Jet-Hot" like coating for $40....that is SUPER cheap.
I paid $220 to get my headers/y-pipe coated. That right there is a high savings.
Take into consideration that SHO-Shop is selling just the headers (no y-pipe) for (iirc) $545....You are getting the y-pipe for $50!! Remember, these headers from MSDS go for $660 on their site....
Even if they do go up a little more, its still a good deal.
Also, I paid w/ a CC for security reasons, and that cost me some more $$$....This is a good deal - Same price as before (maybe a tad higher)