Header Thermal Protection

Ikestaa · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2001, 07:37 PM

I figured we would go with some sort of thermal coating on our headers in the Cobra. I was either thinking Jet Hot coatings or simply a thermal tape wrap. Can anyone explain pros and cons and make a recommendation.

Cal Metal · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2001, 09:29 AM

The thermal tape is probably not a good idea. Guys who have used that wound up with headers that rusted very prematurely. There may even be a discussion on this if you check the Search application on CC.

Jack21 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2001, 05:33 PM

Consensus here is ceramic/aluminum coating, inside and outside.

Looks nice, keeps the header from rusting (it should last indefinately), and keeps the heat inside the header and out of the engine compartment. I can hold my hand a few inches from the header with the engine running, and it feels warm, but not hot. Plastic components located in close proximity to headers show no signs of heat damage.

Had work done by Airborne Coatings, but there are several that offer this service, some that advertize here. "Jet Hot", like "Scotch Tape" is a trade name and you'll pay about 1/4, 1/3 more for the same work.

Do headers both inside and outside. Do sidepipes inside as far back to the muffler as possible, as well as outside. With this kind of heat retention, your muffler/sidepipe will retain little moisture and last almost indefinately. Do add a heatshield to a street driven car to prevent legburns. I made a pair from perforated steel, then coated them, but stainless or aluminum will work too.

Ikestaa · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2003, 11:15 AM

We had our primaries coated inside and out. The guy that did them recommended that we send our sidepipes to a guy in Michigan to have them coated on the inside. They are SS baffled pipes. Is this worth it, or even possible?

dan adams · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2003, 04:38 PM

Hey, check out Process Coatings in Croswell MI. I just got my pipes back from them. I chose their Cerma-Chrome. It looks like
polished aluminum. Beautiful. Coated inside and out. Very pleased with their work. Two weeks including delivery. They called the same day ups brought them back to see if I was satisfied! web site, process coatings inc. Dan

Charlie · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2003, 10:06 AM

Definitely don't wrap them! Also go to someone who has a history of good results with the members of this forum. One of our local guys got his pipes back from an "untried" coating place and the pipes no longer fit! Seems that the process dimensionally change the primary pipes.