Exhaust Header Wrapping

[Ronaldo1973]

Hi guys,,, I have been lurking here for almost one year and its time for my first post, since my Zed is on its way to my empty garage after quitting Zeds for Ten Years...

Well, my question is about wrapping my exhaust header with any available wrapping in the market (Just for appearance, it looks neat) but am confused since I think wrapping the exhaust header would keep my header hot and as a consequence the engine would run hotter and engine overheating problems could arise!!!!

From your experiences, what do you think folk?

Ronaldo

[d240zx2]

The only upside to wrapping your header would be to keep the temps down in the engine bay. Since all components are designed to withstand non-wrapped header temps, it would be, in my opinion, a waste of time and $$ to do so.

Ceramic coated headers keep the heat inside the pipes where it belongs, so wrapping would be a heavier alternative...your car, your call.

Frank

[Zealous]

I agree with d240zx2, I have recently looked into this topic and it is much better off to go with a ceramic coated header than wrapping. However, it depends on your budget, time frame and whether or not you like the wrapped look.

My 2 cents

[geezer]

I'm in agreement. I had the header ceramic coated inside & out, and also the intake manifold coated on the outside to help reduce heat transfer.

[Ronaldo1973]

thanks guys for the inputs, I think I will do my homework about the ceramic coating.

But did anyone notice the effect of coating (or wrapping) the header on the engine's temp?

[d240zx2]

The only temperature difference will be in the exhaust temperature, and that by just a very few degrees <50. You will find no discernable difference in engine operating temperatures.

Frank

[beandip]

Years ago I had my headers coated with porcelain. Most likely this is what the others are calling the ceramic coating. Any hoo, on purpose, what I have done this time is to spray several coats of paint. High heat by dupli-color 1200* black # DH1620 It has been on my headers now for 6 years and still looks good. I went this way because the headers were used and rusted . They came with the engine. I am total impressed with how well they have lasted and absolutely no rust has appeared. I haven't had any trouble with heat , however I do have the OEM heat shield on the manifold. I have a electric fuel pump and am running SUs. Gary P. S. I haven't wrapped headers but I have read several post from members that have and they all experienced early header failure due to rust.

Edited December 13, 2008 by beandip

[JonnyRock]

I think wrapping the exhaust header would keep my header hot and as a consequence the engine would run hotter and engine overheating problems could arise!!!!

Ronaldo

Here's where you are confused. The heat wrap will keep the header hot, but this is a good thing. By keeping the exhaust gases hot, you'll minimize system heat loss while keeping ambient engine bay temps down. You've insulated the rest of the engine bay from much of the heat, so your engine will actually run cooler. This is true of coated headers as well (which I have and will be installing soon!)

[geezer]

Wrapping headers is a lot cheaper to do, would help to keep the heat in the exhaust system where it belongs, but not as effective as ceramic coating, or as long lasting. Go to the JetHot site and read up on it. It's like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Here is a pic of my header & webers mockup before teardown for restoration. Take a look at the close proximity of the header to the intake runners. In my opinion there was just too much potential for heat to transfer. The ceramic coatings should keep heat in the exhaust and the air/fuel mixture cooler. It would be tough to do an effective wrap in this case. A heat shield would help somewhat also.

PS - Forgot to welcome you to the site, Good to hear from you finally.:classic:

Edited December 13, 2008 by geezer

[Ronaldo1973]

Thats why I love this board

I Do really appreciate your responses and shearing your knowledge...

I think I will spend little more time searching to decide wrapping or coating my header. BTW beandip I like these spray stuff , I'll consider your approach :bulb:

Ron, am sure that you will hear from me when I got my 72 240z delivered

Frank, Jon and zealous thanks for the Input

Ronaldo

[DeesZ]

......I have read several post from members that have and they all experienced early header failure due to rust.

Don't discount what Beandip said about rust. I have seen this happen first-hand and the results of rust are not at all good. I guess it's an issue of condensation being trapped which then feasts on the metal. In my neck of the woods that approach (wrap) is generally used for a car set up for short-term racing applications, and not long-term employment.

Anybody have any experience with chrome headers? Do they have any effect on the heat transfer, or is it strictly a visual thing? I have a set on the wall waiting to be installed, but have not rushed to do so because there really isn't much of a gain for a stock engine.... just eye & ear candy (which btw I like as much as the next guy). figured I'd do it when I get into doing some work that will require me to remove the manifolds, if I do it at all....

[Jeff G 78]

Ronaldo, what part of Michigan are you in?