Hello to all in the Forums,

I have a Question regarding Headers,

I want to buy a pair of 1 7/8" stainless Headers and I'm not familiar with Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems.

I am concerned about adding heat in the engine bay thus I wish to do alot of research before I put a pair on.

Question#1 Do you recommend me having them ceramic coated before I install them,

Question#2 Do you notice more heat in the engine since you have installed headers ?

Also I wish to install a heat sheild around my starter and any other recommendations you all have,

The reason I am being so cautious is that my last car had a pair of Steel Headers and they added alot of heat in the engine bay and were a pain in the neck as far as heating the O2 wires , re-tightening the bolts' et cetera

Thanks to all for your replies ! Bon

 

They make bolts that wont back out from the head (stage 8) and others make them. ceramic coating a plus for sure! A heat shield for the starter, good idea. They also make an exhaust rap you can put on the headers.

 

Thanks for the reply, I am saving Exaust wrap as a last resort

Does the Stainless steel throw out alot more heat than your stock manifolds ?

Stage 8 Bolts Great Idea !

Bon

 

You do not need 1 7/8" for a 346ci engine, stock application. Too big.

There is no reason to wrap your starter if this is your only mod.

Stage 8 bolts work great but not necessary, we've never had a header bolt back out.

You will see a slight increase in engine and cabin heat but nothing to worry about. Look into getting a tunnel plate.

Ceramic coating for stock applications will reduce some heat but not necessary other than the appearance.

Jason

 

Thanks Cajun !

I am having the headers sterling silver coated Because I want to be able to show them off to my Buddies,
Also I want the least amount of heat in the engine bay and cabin as possible,

As far as me doing more Mod's yes, I just paid the car off and the motor will be stroked or supercharged I don't know yet thus I am buying 1 7/8" X 3" so I won't have to re-buy later

A La Fois Prochaine !

Bon

 

Wow, you are going to have a very expensive set of headers.....

 

Im looking at this for quieting the inside as well as hopefully keeping the heat out.. not a bad price either..

 

C'est bon! It is good to see you thinking ahead and doing it the right way.

Jason

 

Heat could be much less if you change the H pipe out, get an X pipe and get a set of high flow cats. The cats are where most of your cabin heat is stock. Then consider an insulated tunnel plate.

 

Thanks for all the great responses

Bon

 

To reduce some interior heat, you can install a heat barrier (there are many types) between the floor / tunnel sides and the carpet, but this adds bulk to an already space-challenged situation, and eventually the insulation material heats up and begins to radiate heat on its own.

Insulated tunnel plates help, but they only block and do not remove the heat.

You really need some method for removing the heat mechanically.

If you take a look at where the mufflers and cat converters are located, you will see that GM has installed metal heat shields that are spaced away from the surface that they are protecting.

The air space allows for a mechanical removal of heat (as the vehicle is driven) instead of attempting to block the heat with insulation.

So, following the GM engineered model, I designed an aluminum plate to surround the exhaust tubes behind the cats while still leaving a 3/8" air space between the plate and the tunnel sides and the tunnel closeout panel.

I took heat measurements at the base of the tunnel before and after I installed the shield and I measured a 30 degree heat reduction under medium load conditions (driving in hilly areas) and a 20 degree heat reduction when cruising (flat roads).

If you are interested in obtaining more detailed information about the design, send me a PM.

Cheers.