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Why "wrap" the headers ?

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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 12:15 PM
  #1  
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Default Why "wrap" the headers ?

Not sure if this is the right forum (Tech perfrormance or General)

Why wrap the headers ?
What are the "pros and cons" ?

I'm aware that the headers produce lots of heat....

Tell me more guys !

Phil
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 12:21 PM
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You want to wrap mild steel headers so they can melt and blow holes in them. That way you keep the economy going by buying new headers.

Only use header wrap on stainless steel pipes or feasibly from the collectors back where the pipes are cooler.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 12:21 PM
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pros: keeps heat in the exhaust and out of the engine bay, supposedly gives you more HP also.

Cons: know for rusting out headers because the wraps can hold moisture.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by gkull
You want to wrap mild steel headers so they can melt and blow holes in them. That way you keep the economy going by buying new headers.

Only use header wrap on stainless steel pipes or feasibly from the collectors back where the pipes are cooler.



if you have ceramic coated headers, dont wrap them either.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 12:47 PM
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Ceramic coating is a far more advantageous technology for a street car. Wraps are fine in some applications but you have to be aware of the hydrogen embrittlement problem created by using wraps. This is what seems like melting and rusting. Mild steel, used in most headers, is most affected by hydrogen embrittlement and you will be replacing the headers on a fairly routine schedule.

What wraps and ceramic coating do is keep more of the exhaust heat in the pipe. And heat is energy. The more heat you keep in the pipe, the faster the gas moves and the better the system scavenges.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 12:55 PM
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You also keep heat away from the steering box with a wrap.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 01:00 PM
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Con: It looks like crap.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by foxymophandlpapa
Con: It looks like crap.


get ceramic coted, looks great, helps with heat a bit, wont melt your headers.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by foxymophandlpapa
Con: It looks like crap.
So that would make them cwraps then?
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 02:09 PM
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I wrapped mine just to listen to everyone bitch and moan when they see them.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Ak. Mal
I wrapped mine just to listen to everyone bitch and moan when they see them.

Do you honestly believe anyone gives a damn?
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by gerry72
Do you honestly believe anyone gives a damn?
From watching the people on this forum, I would say wholeheartedly yes

Kinda like that $600 radiator thread, everyone feels the need to post their opinion even if it has no relevance to the OP.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 06:05 PM
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I think the only good use that stuff has now is for a retro look on a old rat rod or something, cant think of any other good reason.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 08:57 PM
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I have my sidepipe headers wrapped around my starter and the wiring that goes to that just to keep it from having any heat issues. Its a tight fit and its not a show car so people can bitch about it all they want if it keeps my starter from frying then its money well spent.

If I do throw a new engine in my car im considering wrapping and spraying header wrap sealant on them and removing the mufflers from my sidepipes. Hot and loud just like they should be
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