PT

I got a AW header ready to install but I'm deciding to either ceramic coat it or go the cheap way out by just using header wrap.

Header wrap that I've looked at is DEI and Thermo-Tec and they cost about 40ish dollars for 2inch 50 feet. I called a ceramic coating place and they quoted me at 125 for satin finish and 155-165 for polished finish.

Benefits
From what I know header wrap can reduce heat by anywhere from 50-70%. Benefits are that it will keep temperatures under the hood lower and thus longer life in engine components and electronics. Also increase in horsepower because energy is retained thus exhaust gases flow quicker out.

Cons
Some things that I have heard is that it can crack the header because of the increase of heat. Although this is probably under extreme racing conditions does this happen and probably if your running excessive boost. Also depends how well the header is made. Another bad thing is that it will rust because of moisture trapped underneath the wrap. I have read that you can fix this by layering it with high temp engine paint or silicone coating. It will protect from grime, dirt, and mosture from getting trapped underneath.

So I do know that the AW header is stainless steel and my question is will this still rust? I'm sure it would over time but depends what quality stainless steel it is. Has anybody had experience with header wrap?

Of course ceramic coating is the best way out but it just cost so much more. Just curious what everyones thoughts are on this topic.

Phixeus

2 things

Stainless steel does not rust. it will corrode like aluminium does if you dont keep it clean.

save your money and have it coated. wraping 4 banger pipes is really hard b/c they are so close together. also if you have never dont it before you might be doing it a few times and the end cost will be the same as if you just got them coated.

ScionDad

Don't do the header wrap. It looks really trashy and I don't know if anyone here has every seen it happen, but I've seen header wraps burn up on hard ran V8 engines.

I would leave it stainless steel, clean it very well before you start it up after installation and it will look sweet. Forget to clean it and every finger print will be there forever, ruining the look. Rusting should not be a problem.

PT

Thanks for the tip sciondad, I probably would have forgotten to clean it.

senseiturtle

Is there any point in trying to replace the stock header heatshield over the aftermarket header?

This idea... might result in a bit of heat reduction, but not as signifigant as wrap/coat

PT

This is a good idea, would this work?

Limey

I still wish I could powder coat my header bright yellow.

Ho hum.

Phixeus

i dont know about the stock heat shield but a custom with the scion emblem cut into it with thermal layer on the bottom of it. powder coated black.

The_Instigator

Why would you want to cover this up?!?!!?It too pretty:

CXT

I had the headers on my dakota ceramic coated silver...I say save up the money and get them coated.

PT

Yes, that is very beautiful. I'm not the person that really cares about showing off. I rather have performance over looks. So I really would not mind ceramic coating it or wrapping it, if it will make it look like crap.

I'm not saying that its bad or anything. I really love the look as well.

CXT

the silver ceramic would match your intake

hahaitzskippy

does anyone think that the header runner is too close to the alternator...

wouldnt it cause problems down the line?

PT

That is why I want to keep the temperatures down. So it doesn't hurt anything else.

hahaitzskippy

^^ same here

wat header do you have? i have the AW and have been debating whether to wrap it or not

ScionDad

We ran our Megan SS header for 6 months....no heat problem and looked killer.

If you can get performance AND looks......I know most guys would usually want both.

The_Instigator

I agree with ScionDad..theres no real reason to coat the header.

PT

Well I don't think you would see damages in 6 months. I think it would eventually damage somthing from the heat, especially in the summer months when its really hot. Overtime it will break things and you're going to have to replace parts. That is why I rather just be safe and not take any chances. Plus you get more performance from ceramic coating or header wrap. Maybe 1 extra HP because energy isn't loss because the heat is kept and also it does not heat soak the intake as much.

hahaitzskippy

so PT

have you wrapped ur header yet?

im planning on wrapping mine this week.
im not worried about how it looks, i jus want to reduce the amount of heat in thet engine bay.

Nakioki

The AW is purdie.. too bad i got finger prints on mine T_T