RomRaider

I've posted some info on my current header setup but I'm generally conflicted on the approach I took to manage heat. I generally like to post the tough questions on this forum because unlike other places, I get a good discussion. In short you're all nerds.

Here is a link to details and pictures:
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/engine-powe ... eader.html

Now my primary concern is that of header longevity and for that matter ceramic coating longevity when going the wrap + coating path. To quantify my definition of longevity, 5 years

FYI, Fujitsubo stainless header.

-The Swaintech coating is NOT a paint, its real ceramic bonded to the metal at many thousands of degrees. The white lightning coating is supposedly good to up past 3000F. Extra retained heat from the wrap shouldn't affect the coating at a chemical level.

-Tensile and compressive forces on the coating might induce cracking, but considering how its bonded with the metal flaking shouldn't be an issue.

-Seeing as the header is coated, rust shouldn't be an issue.

-What I DON'T want is for my header to crack like so many before because of wrapping. I'm hoping that the fact its quality stainless, has great welds and the ceramic coating will reduce my chances of this happening. Because of the much lower thermal conductivity of ceramic, my hopes is that the coating will reduce hot/cold spots at places like welds as I'm wondering if this has a positive effect of ensuring a more even heat throughout the header. Figuring that the greater time for heat to transfer would act as a buffer when the header sees sudden temperature changes and thus reduce heat related stresses.

-Oil/fires is a minor concern I'll manage with some foil in areas that are most likely to have issues (near filter and below oil fil tube)

I'm here for your thoughts people!

Oh, and hi. Its been a long time

I have a new WBR ELH on the way, it comes ceramic coated, I will be wrapping as well. I am interested in others experiences.

FWIW if you wrap and use the spray coating to seal the wrap, I think there will be less of chance of retained water in the wrap causing corrosion.

Even better in our case is that the ceramic coating should prevent corrosion. Though I sprayed the bejesus out of the header with silicon sealant, it still doesn't look anywhere near water tight. I'm really tired of taking that damned header off, so when I get some energy later on I'll give it a shot of spray. Though I now have it down to about 30 minutes from car on ground to header in hand.

Ohh and my apartment complex neighbors think I'm absolutely insane.

I've been impressed by most of the coated parts I've come across. It is immediately apparent peeking your hands or head into an engine bay with a coated downpipe or header. On an uncoated piece there is tons of heat radiating out. Coated, you can put your hand 1/4" away from the surface and not feel any radiated heat even right after parking a car after a long drive. The surface cools down enough to touch after just a few minutes.

I think once I finally get around to getting a header I will be doing coating only. I've already wrapped by UP and DP and will leave them be. It's cheaper and it definitely works, possibly equally as well, but coating seems to be a better solution. There's a local place in Indy that will do parts for a killer price, and I've seen (and felt) the results. Good stuff.

Many manufacturers will honor warranty on coated parts, but not wrapped.

Silicon sealant on an exhaust header? What are you trying to seal? BTW, silicon can be toxic to O2 sensors.

Not when its on the outside coating the wrap. Its only purpose is to give some basic protection from the elements to the wrap. Not even sure I'll bother since I think I'm going the aluminum wrap route.

EDIT: Maybe I misread your post. If you're warning me to be careful with hanging O2 sensors while spraying, then thanks. I didn't know silicon could hurt them.