Header Advice (Pics)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey, FL
Header Advice (Pics)
These are my Hooker Super Comp headers that are Jet Hot coated. They're about 3 years old, and already starting to rust. I paid $550 for these and this happens. What should I do- wrap them or paint 'em with high temp ceramic paint? I saw somewhere that there was this sort of coating somewhere that comes in a can that is supposed to be real good, but can't remember where. Suggestions please
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 1
From: Same as our leaders Out of my mind
I would suggest wrapping the headers. You will help with underhood heat issues as well as cover up the scratches and scrapes. There is also a small HP advantage in wrapping the headers.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
There must be something you're not telling us. I'm surprised the coating got damaged so quickly. I've had mine for about 15 yrs and they're almost like new. It looks like the headers might have been sandblasted from the front such as might occur from a lot of driving on gravel roads. There must be a reason the coating failed so quickly.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey, FL
Originally Posted by 75 Hot One
There must be something you're not telling us. I'm surprised the coating got damaged so quickly. I've had mine for about 15 yrs and they're almost like new. It looks like the headers might have been sandblasted from the front such as might occur from a lot of driving on gravel roads. There must be a reason the coating failed so quickly.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
Originally Posted by brian76
The car sat in the garage for 2 years, that's all. No hidden info honest. Must have been condensation building up from within. I never drove it down any gravel roads. It looks like it's header wrap time
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: GA
I wish I had a dollar for every story I hear about thermal coatings not working. Unfortunately... this happens. It is almost like hit or miss. I do know Jet Hot stands behind their coating. Not sure how long.
I had mine done by a place in Va. The headers (Dyno Max long) are not rusting at all (a few years and counting), but the color turned a dull gray instead of satin. I believe a search in the archive will reveal a lot of posts on this topic... some were very heated... (no pun intended)
I had mine done by a place in Va. The headers (Dyno Max long) are not rusting at all (a few years and counting), but the color turned a dull gray instead of satin. I believe a search in the archive will reveal a lot of posts on this topic... some were very heated... (no pun intended)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Call Jet Hot first.
If you wrap the headers in their current state, the wrap gets wet from driving and condensation and will cause even more rust.
I would highly recommend getting them recoated before you consider wraping them.
The rust on yours looks like it normal wear and tear from driving as the problem areas seem to be facing the front of the car and at its lowest point. Weird that it happened from sitting. Call Jet-Hot, they stand by their coatings.
Maybe after a thick coating you could consider wrapping to prevent chipping from road debris. Good luck.
If you wrap the headers in their current state, the wrap gets wet from driving and condensation and will cause even more rust.
I would highly recommend getting them recoated before you consider wraping them.
The rust on yours looks like it normal wear and tear from driving as the problem areas seem to be facing the front of the car and at its lowest point. Weird that it happened from sitting. Call Jet-Hot, they stand by their coatings.
Maybe after a thick coating you could consider wrapping to prevent chipping from road debris. Good luck.
Last edited by 68 NJConv 454; Aug 7, 2006 at 12:05 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
The photos do look like there was some clearance issues with the pipes. Some of the larger areas look like they were scraped across a speed bump or other type of object. Once the coating was worn off, then rust could start in that location.
kdf
kdf
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville VA
i had mine done by the place in Virginia as well. they indicated that excessive heat can discolor the finish as can certain engine cleaners. they recommended wiping only with water dampened cloths. No engine time on mine yet- they are in the 'aging' process in the garage that others on the Forum seem to use...