C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine
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Exhaust Cleanup

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Old Oct 24, 2020 | 05:02 AM
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Default Exhaust Cleanup

Well I have a blown head gasket. In the process of tearing my engine apart I decided I would like to clean and paint everything as I am not going to get a better opportunity. I picked up some VHT flameproof rattle cans for my exhaust manifolds. The manifolds are brown with rust (the only rusty part of my 93 LT1 coupe). The manifolds and cats have heat shields that look riveted on. My question is am I good to drill these rivets? I have a rivet gun and rivets but I am a little nervous about doing permanent damage or bleeding heat. I never did anything like this before. I wouldn't know how to clean it without removing the heat shield. Thanks
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Old Oct 24, 2020 | 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Star Drive
Well I have a blown head gasket. In the process of tearing my engine apart I decided I would like to clean and paint everything as I am not going to get a better opportunity. I picked up some VHT flameproof rattle cans for my exhaust manifolds. The manifolds are brown with rust (the only rusty part of my 93 LT1 coupe). The manifolds and cats have heat shields that look riveted on. My question is am I good to drill these rivets? I have a rivet gun and rivets but I am a little nervous about doing permanent damage or bleeding heat. I never did anything like this before. I wouldn't know how to clean it without removing the heat shield. Thanks
For exhaust manifolds, I was told spray graphite. Works better than paint. Ive used the VHT before and it does burn off..

I can't comment on the heat shields, mine are bolted on.
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Old Oct 25, 2020 | 09:29 PM
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POR 15 makes a nice product for those that wont burn off
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Old Oct 28, 2020 | 08:51 AM
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I would keep the heat shields on. Anything to reduce the heat in engine bay. Clean them and tape them off and then paint your items.
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Old Oct 28, 2020 | 08:55 AM
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Another option to fix the heat is to have a set of LT headers that are ceramic coated installed.
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Old Oct 28, 2020 | 09:16 AM
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I'd leave the cats alone. Those can't even be seen from above.
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Old Oct 28, 2020 | 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by aklim
Another option to fix the heat is to have a set of LT headers that are ceramic coated installed.
I agree, headers are the way to go if you can afford it.
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