Most outfits that do powder coating also do ceramic coating. It provides an
attractive finish, is an excellent heat barrier and purportedly increases the
velocity of exhaust gases. It isn't all that much more expensive than the
wraps, and the coating is applied to both the inside and outside of the pipes.
I think I paid $125 to have my stainless headers ceramic coated.
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: Alan Lemen
To: Joe Curry
Cc: James Carruthers ; spitfires@autox.team.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 8:46 AM
Subject: Re: Exhaust questions: paste, wrap, needles
Joe, true about the heat and moisture. Since I live in what in
classified as high desert I don't really care so much about moisture and
rust anymore. But I would agree James lives in a damper climate. Mind
you he is still drier than some places.... I would never wrap a mild
steel header or anything mild steel unless of course I didn't care and
could afford to replace like some racing teams.
James, I had assumed that it was not mild steel. Mine is stainless
steel. I have no idea what your one is made from. An alternative I have
heard are coatings that take the heat, stop the rust and act as a
thermal barrier to some degree. Not sure what is available in the UK.
Trouble is that I am sure they cost more than the wrap. Also you can buy
cans of spray treatment from the wrap manufacturers that seal the wrap
from dirt and moisture. No idea how good they are though.
Alan
Joe Curry wrote:
>One large downside to exhaust wraps. They retain heat and moisture in
>the header and lead to premature deterioration of the header metal. I
>would never use them unless there was no alternative.
>
>
>Joe
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