Cale Sahl

iTrader: (2)

I'm finally getting around to installing a set of SLP headers I bought from a forumite a few months ago. They are wrapped as is the y-pipe.

Safe to leave the wrap on? Would it be better to remove the wrap? Can used headers be ceramic or Jet Hot coated?

I'm not looking for headers that will last a lifetime; just long enough to survive as long as the engine does. Currently at 96,000 original miles on my LB9, and I don't know how soon I'll look into getting a replacement engine. Doesn't leak or burn oil so I know it has plenty of life left in it.

I've searched Google a bit on header wrap, and I haven't come across concrete answers either way. Some scream header wrap is a fire hazard and will rot the headers from inside out because it traps moisture, others say they've had zero issues for years.

Ghettobird52

theres going to be mixed responses. heres my input

I had my previous headers wrapped and they keep engine bay temps down SLIGHTLY. They do not help at all with the exhaust itself. Yes you can get used headers coated and that would be the better option in most opinions, if you have the cash. That motor should last awhile longer if serviced regularly!

IROCtheRoad

Also, it has been my experience that a header wrap WILL cause the header to rust way quicker than it normally would.

8t2 z-chev

depends on the header material-wrapped some cheap mild steel cyclones and they burnt up from the high temps after about a year;replaced those with SS SLP headers-also wrapped-and those were still in good shape 5 years later:SLP stainless steel could take the heat

Cale Sahl

iTrader: (2)

Looks like my headers have the DEI titanium wrap. Anyone have experience with it?

Gumby

It cause it pouris, use header wrap paint to remove that, the paint soakes in and then cures, they then can't hold moisture or oil.

don't be stingy, really hose it down with the paint, runs and drips arn't consern so hold it close, so it al lgoes into the wrap.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Yes.

Yes absolutely. My set of used SLP headers has the "silver" Jet-Hot on them; worked PERFECT; can't tell they were used.

I'd strongly recommend that instead of ... something else.

willexoIX

Heres what I gather from googling the issue of wrap.
I too used the DEI Titanium wrap, with the DEI paint.

If you just wrap and nothing else, yes they will rot.
If you wrap them AND coat them, simply put, if you do it properly you shouldnt get rotting of the pipe because the wrap is sealed with the paint.

I know we can get moisture inside the pipes, however, if they are coated PROPERLY, there is no way possible for moisture to get inside the wrap. This may not apply to el-cheapo wrap; but I dont see why not if they are coated.

Half *** it yes it will rot, do it right and they should last on average from 4-7 years, each application may be different.

Thats all I got, and its from HOURS of googling.
Cant say how mine are doing cause it hasnt been started yet, lol.

Another point I gather, on turbocharged applications the wrap isnt really meant to keep the engine bay cooler, but to keep as much heat in the pipes for greater exhaust velocity for the turbine. I may or may not have that right.

redneckjoe

i've been using the DEI header wrap for a few years. i covered the headers in paint first, wrapped them and used the silicone spray. no report other than no problems/leaks.

however,...with the leftover wrap, i wrapped about 3' of the pipe after the headers on each side. a few years go by, and that wrap was looking rough. so i removed it recently. to my surprise my pipes look terrible. i had to take a wire brush to them. looks 20 years old. this was all new pipe when i installed the headers.

on a side note, i've used header wrap before on stainless headers with no problem.

i also want to mention that my car is not a daily driver and might have seen rain twice in the last year.

tough choice.

i mainly used it to help control heat issues. it helped a little bit. big time on my streetbike.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Thanks for sharing that, redneckjoe.

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

One picture is worth a thousand words.

Gumby

Id ceramic coat the inside of the headers more then outside, so the heat isn't a big factor on the pipes life, why pipe back father last alllot longer, it doesn't get as hot "inside".

you can coat outside all ya want, can still rot inside out from the massive heat. that iwll cause moisture on the side.

willexoIX

Doesnt look like they were coated on either side. The wrap itself is pourus(dont think its spelled right), If you coat the header, then wrap them, then give them a soaking coat, cure in the oven or on the car, you should be good for awhile. If you just wrap them and do nothing else, you pretty much defeat the purpose.

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

All of that is just a band-aid...fix the problem that is causing the excessive heat.

PAFORM350

fteufert

I just got my 82 TA back after 26 years from the friend I sold it to.

He wrapped the headers and complete exhaust to the muffler. It has been on the car since the early 1990's, and the exhaust is not rusted anywhere. He used it as a daily driver, and said the wrapping kept the car cooler inside.

The headers I believe were cheapo Headmans, and the exhaust is 3" Banks from the late 1980's. The catalytic converter must have fallen off years ago

willexoIX

Excessive heat sometimes is not a problem. In a turbo application, more heat=more exhaust velocity and more potential energy for the turbo. Commonly excessive heat is from running too lean. Which is why I laugh when I see tuner youtube videos of them bragging because the headers are glowing and they havent a clue what is going on.