Header wrap///
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Bayonne NJ
I actually got that tip from tv.. i dont kno if it was american hot rod, or some motorcycle build.. all i kno is it worked.. my friend got good results leaving it dry, but he wanted to tear his skin apart from all the fiberglass in his arms... i didn't have any issues with that really, but it did seem to dry and become tighter and stiffer...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
I soaked mine in a tub of water for a couple minutes before wrapping my headers. Norval suggested that I do that. I decided to try wrapping a little with it dry just for comparisons sake. Don't even waste your time doing it dry.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by glenkov48
Any thoughts on wetting the wrap before applying in order to get a tight wrap as suggested above??
Wet it is more piable and when it dries it is nice and tight.
didn't you see the pictures I post earilier?? That is a nice wrap
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jah1226
While the wrap does a good job of keeping the heat in the pipe, it will literally cook the metal. Most carbon steel headers are going to start to break down at the molecular level when the temps reach above 850 degrees. I wrapped a pair of Hedmans about 10 years ago, and when I pulled the pipes the metal literally crumbled in my hands. I would get them coated. If you count the cost of the wrap, clamps and the labor to do it yourself, you could pay for the coating.
I'd rather cook the headers than the wiring harnesses, rubber components and fuel lines under the hood.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by shafrs3
I don't believe a coating is going to insulate the engine compartment from radiated heat like the header wrap does. A good test would be to guess which one would burn your finger faster, a coated header or a wrapped one. Header wrap works like a pot holders does in the kitchen, it slows down the flow of heat.
I'd rather cook the headers than the wiring harnesses, rubber components and fuel lines under the hood.
I'd rather cook the headers than the wiring harnesses, rubber components and fuel lines under the hood.
His are triple coated, a black inside barrier to prevent heat escaping plus a double outside thermo coat.
I will post on this later in the year.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
being a heat freak ive wrapped for years. yes most definately for sure it will decrease the life of the headers. the cheaper the header the faster they will go away. how fast? my hooker super comps lasted 4 years until they blew a little hole. the way i look at it , the decrease in heat is worth the several hundred bucks every 5 yrs. soaking wet for 30 minutes works great. dont be in a rush when you do this. 3/8" overlap and stainless tie wire at the beginning and at the end.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Bayonne NJ
When i wet them b4 installation I didn't even use the ties that i had bought.. I just double wrapped where i started and held that section until i started wrapping the rest of the header.. when they dried they were very tight at the top, i doubt they will come loose.. it gives the headers a much cleaner look in my opinion
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
I have done it a number of times and it doesn't work dry. Wet it, what have you got to loose??
Wet it is more piable and when it dries it is nice and tight.
didn't you see the pictures I post earilier?? That is a nice wrap
Wet it is more piable and when it dries it is nice and tight.
didn't you see the pictures I post earilier?? That is a nice wrap
