Will nitrous discolor my headers?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Lapeer MI
Will nitrous discolor my headers?
There is a recent post asking the advantages of going with ceramic or chrome headers. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=907192 The general opinion was chrome headers would turn blue and look ugly after a while, where ceramic won't change color. I'm worried of this problem too. I purchased the popular Hooker side exhaust last year but am deployed and I cannot install them until I get home IN TWO MORE MONTHS! 
I have a 200 shot of nitrous on my engine. I know these run hot. It this going to cause bluing on my headers or worse yet, will it somehow deteriorate the chrome? I have cast iron heads but are aluminum heads more or less likely to blue the headers? Also, does anyone know the name of the product that bikers use to prevent bluing?
I have a 200 shot of nitrous on my engine. I know these run hot. It this going to cause bluing on my headers or worse yet, will it somehow deteriorate the chrome? I have cast iron heads but are aluminum heads more or less likely to blue the headers? Also, does anyone know the name of the product that bikers use to prevent bluing?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I think the blueing is caused by the headers reaching a certain temperature regardless of what causes it internally. Regardless of nitrous or regular gas, it seems most headers turn blue with time even if you remove the blue occasionally or try some internal treatment. Thats why Harleys after 100 years of fighting it, simply cover their headers with a chrome cover. I used to like the old Triumphs with blue chromed headers - they were still shiny!
Ceramics don't change color - on the other hand they aren't chrome either. They look like silver paint to me.
Ceramics don't change color - on the other hand they aren't chrome either. They look like silver paint to me.
