Header questions
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,551
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From: No link, No dupe
Header questions
I know that installing headers raises the underhood temperature. My question is if the coated headers lower underhood temperatures to the same levels as my stock L48 manifolds, or lower. This is of major concern for me, because my breather is an open element underhood design. Even now, I can tell the difference in power from when the engine is cold (Rocket Power!) to when the engine has been running for a while in 95 degree weather (Slug).
While headers should make more power, I am concerned that the extra heated air will cancel out any power gain I may have gotten:mad. I'm not sure I want to use header wraps, as I have heard that it puts a lot of stress on the headers, and can cause cracks.
I would be interested and appreciative of any comments, and suggestions. I am willing to spend a little extra money if needed, to get a good set of headers. Thanks!
While headers should make more power, I am concerned that the extra heated air will cancel out any power gain I may have gotten:mad. I'm not sure I want to use header wraps, as I have heard that it puts a lot of stress on the headers, and can cause cracks.
I would be interested and appreciative of any comments, and suggestions. I am willing to spend a little extra money if needed, to get a good set of headers. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Header questions (shotgun_000)
Actually, from what I have heard the jet hot coatings do a great job of reducing underhood temps. Will they be as low as original, probably not.
header wrap will void any warrantee on headers and most people avoid it. I have used it in the past and NEVER had any problems, there are at least two or three other forum members who have had no worries with header wrap either.
Header wrap will reduce your underhood temps from the present cast iron temps, that stuff really works. It will reduce the life of your headers, but if that life is 7 years instead of 10 or 15 instead of 20 then I see no problem. I had a set of headers on my camaro wrapped for over 5 years before I sold it and had no problems.
The more you run at high RPMs the more it may be an issue. I only raced the Camaro once or twice, maybe that helped.
I just installed coated headers in my 78 - but havent fired it up yet - not until the rest of the exhaust is on.
header wrap will void any warrantee on headers and most people avoid it. I have used it in the past and NEVER had any problems, there are at least two or three other forum members who have had no worries with header wrap either.
Header wrap will reduce your underhood temps from the present cast iron temps, that stuff really works. It will reduce the life of your headers, but if that life is 7 years instead of 10 or 15 instead of 20 then I see no problem. I had a set of headers on my camaro wrapped for over 5 years before I sold it and had no problems.
The more you run at high RPMs the more it may be an issue. I only raced the Camaro once or twice, maybe that helped.
I just installed coated headers in my 78 - but havent fired it up yet - not until the rest of the exhaust is on.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Nowhere
Re: Header questions (shotgun_000)
I have Hooker Headers. I had them Ceramic coated inside/outside then coated the outside with Flat Black finish. Airborne Coatings did the complete job.
The engine compartment stays very cool, compared to the non-ceramic coated headers. I also had my complete exhaust coated as well, to cut down on floor heat.
It was worth every penny to me.
[Modified by kgraumann, 9:45 AM 5/29/2002]
The engine compartment stays very cool, compared to the non-ceramic coated headers. I also had my complete exhaust coated as well, to cut down on floor heat.
It was worth every penny to me.
[Modified by kgraumann, 9:45 AM 5/29/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Header questions (kgraumann)
[ I also had my complete exhaust coated as well, to cut down on floor heat.
It was worth every penny to me.
[Modified by kgraumann, 9:45 AM 5/29/2002][/QUOTE]
I was curious what the cost was to do that??
It was worth every penny to me.
[Modified by kgraumann, 9:45 AM 5/29/2002][/QUOTE]
I was curious what the cost was to do that??
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Nowhere
Re: Header questions (Alwyn678)
Well, it's not cheap. I think I paid 12.00 per foot, which included the black extra color charge.
It was around 400.00 for the headers and complete exhaust w/muffs.
Here is where I got it done at:
http://www.airborncoatings.com
It was around 400.00 for the headers and complete exhaust w/muffs.
Here is where I got it done at:
http://www.airborncoatings.com
