header heat cycle
 

i was wanting to know the proper heat cycle on headers since i replaced my bolts so i dont have to worry about rounding off the edges of the bolts. i know you tighten them up then run the car for a little while. Now when you go and retighten them back up, do you tighten them before the car can cool down after the first trip that you made or do you let the car cool down then tighten them back up. Then just start the process over again.

And another question, which is better on header finish: chrome or ceramic coated? This question is for a buddy. I got cermaic for mine but on his car they also give the option of chrome.

I always check mine cold because I don't like burnt skin. :D

Ceramic inside and out is the best. It prevents rust, and reduces heat loss. If done properly, it will out-last chrome as well.

Chrome is mostly for show, does reduce rusting a little but is more brittle than ceramic - get a little chip, and you'll get pitting rust and lose the whole header. You also can't chrome the inside of the tubes.

Re: header heat cycle
 

so you tighten up the bolts, run the car for a little trip. then you let the car cool down and tighten them back up and just repeat.

I check them when I'm doing something else under the hood, like an oil change.

Re: header heat cycle
 

i check them every day cause the touch the frame just a tad

Re: header heat cycle
 

well im in the state now where i installed new bolts and i need to heat cycle then a couple times and need to really stay up on top of it bc when i first got the headers put on i knew that i needed to cycle them but i never did and it took forever to get them to finally stay