Thread: Headers, wrap versus paint or coatings

Tweet

am thinking about wrapping the headers on the nova, summit has a kit

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CMB-05-0001/

I figure coating has to cost that much. High temp paint the only other option I can think of. I think it'll look cool too. has anybody used this stuff? recommendations? save some money and use high temp rustoleum?

thanks as always guys.

Red

I used the VHT high temp(ceramic based). my headers were old so I sanded them really well, prep like you are doing a concours paint job! mine has stayed white. but I have a mild 350 on the street, not a powerhouse for the strip. With that said, If I were going to race my car reguarly then I would pop for the wrap.

Problem with header wrap is that it promotes rustouts. Most header manufacturers void any warranty if you use it for that reason.

Don

Don, how often does that happen and is there a way to avoid it? I'm not sure what brand these are, so not sure the warranty. what companies do coatings?

Red

Originally Posted by Evolvo

Not hi-jacking, but, can a USED set of SS tube headers be ceramic coated?
Extra prep required?
Thanx

there would be no need to as the ss work as good or better then coated mild steel tube .but if you wanted to get them coated. prep i would think is about the same as mild steel

Ceramic coating any header, whether it is mild steel or stainless, serves a number of purposes. With mild steel the longevity factor is most important where as the stainless (if it is "real" stainless) not so much. The best reason to coat a header is heat reduction in the engine compartment. A coated header retains the exhaust heat inside the tube. The coating prevents a major amount of heat transfer through the steel. The coating has to be done inside and out for this to be most effective.
JetHot is highly recommended as they coat inside and out. Not all coating services do. http://www.jet-hot.com/
Do not wrap your headers with any kind of thermal blanket or tape. There is nothing to gain and it only shortens the life of the tubing as stated above.
Mark

you have to make sure they are coating the inside all the way thru and not only what you can see .not going to name names but some only coat what you can see. some big names play this game

If you paint your headers...

Basically the painted finish (using hi-temp paint) has to be baked and most of the time the oven is too small or the boss won't let you use the oven.

Step 1 - Remove headers from vehicle, strip finish off headers and clean thoroughly. Remove any grease or oil.

Step 2 - Paint headers with a name brand high temperature paint such as VHT.

Step 3 - Reinstall headers, be careful as not to get any grease, oil or dirt on painted surfaces.

Step 4 - Fire up the motor, run it for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 5 - Let headers cool.

Step 6 - Repeat steps 4 and 5 four to six times. The more the better.

The key points are;
Headers must be absolutely clean before painting.
Painted surfaces must be clean before the baking process.
Do not let the headers get too hot while baking.
To maintain your newly painted headers keep them clean, use soap and water (while cool).
The paint job can be touched up but the new paint has to be also baked.

when i build mild steel headers i will put barbeue paint on them less there getting sent out for coating .the barbeue paint work better then VHT less they did some great thing with it in the last two years

Thanks guys, we're going to go with the bbq paint method. i wonder they even sell headers uncoated, what a waste of time. If I were buying new I'd always buy coated.

Saved me money gents, now and down the road, it's appreciated!

Originally Posted by Dago Red

Thanks guys, we're going to go with the bbq paint method. i wonder they even sell headers uncoated, what a waste of time. If I were buying new I'd always buy coated.

Saved me money gents, now and down the road, it's appreciated!

yep the header tub is so bad they have to paint or coat them if not they would rust in the box . 30 years ago thats about all they had was paint. the header tube is still bad and some of it will not weld very good so much junk in the steel . some times i will weld them with 347 filler rod when i tig a set up

Dago Red you have a coater right down the street from ya on Fresno. i used them all the time when I had my hot Rod shop in Visalia and they are reasonable and they coat them inside and out !

which one? I know one here in town wants 250 I think, that's getting rich. that's a big move you made, all the way across country!