Long Tube headers - a different question.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 176
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Long Tube headers - a different question.
Has anyone invested the time to use Thermotec type wrap on your long tubes? After 2 years of renting my 01' vette, I will this Friday close on the Loan to lower my payments and begin ownership.
My wife says I can consider spending some money on the car now. So, I called MTI today for pricing the LTs and a pulley-installed. During the conversation, I ask about the jet coating... and wrapping the headers ... and they say that water can get inside the wrap and tear up your headers. They also mentioned that the extra heat will cause issues, shortening the life of the headers. His final comments were that cooling the air inside the header will allow it to condence and take up less space.
Until this conversation, I thought I knew a bit about combustion and air flow.
I put the wrap on my previous mustangs... one of them, I went all the way to the back and it made a world of difference in my own little mind and I never had any issue with it.
Any thoughts?
My wife says I can consider spending some money on the car now. So, I called MTI today for pricing the LTs and a pulley-installed. During the conversation, I ask about the jet coating... and wrapping the headers ... and they say that water can get inside the wrap and tear up your headers. They also mentioned that the extra heat will cause issues, shortening the life of the headers. His final comments were that cooling the air inside the header will allow it to condence and take up less space.
Until this conversation, I thought I knew a bit about combustion and air flow.
I put the wrap on my previous mustangs... one of them, I went all the way to the back and it made a world of difference in my own little mind and I never had any issue with it.
Any thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,698
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From: Chapin SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (0-60N4)
Keeping the heat inside the header is good for engine efficiency. The best way to do this is with modern ceramic coatings - inside and out. I don't know of many guys with C5 applications that wrap. Besides, the headers look good and wrapping doesn't.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
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Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (0-60N4)
I'm glade your WIFE approves ;)
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Effingham IL
Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (0-60N4)
I wrappped my SS shorties and any time I change wires or plugs I get this metal flake all over the place. It is messy and gets all over everything in the garage. I am sure this is not good for the air sacs. Another concern is where does all this dust go during driving. If the header is mild steel, corosion/rust would be concern for me. Do jet hot or Swain Tech, I am taking my stainless shorties off and replacing them with Swain tech coated Stainless works. I agree they look better coated rather than wrapped. Check out both companies web sites as the two coatings look different, will definitely keep underhood temps down.
Greg
Greg
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
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Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (0-60N4)
thank you for all the responses.
I am exstatic that the wife approves.
Last question about this, what do you think about wrapping the exhaust tubes under the main body of the car... ? It gets pretty hot inside the vehicle as it is.
thanks again for the responses.
I am exstatic that the wife approves.
Last question about this, what do you think about wrapping the exhaust tubes under the main body of the car... ? It gets pretty hot inside the vehicle as it is.
thanks again for the responses.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (0-60N4)
Last question about this, what do you think about wrapping the exhaust tubes under the main body of the car... ? It gets pretty hot inside the vehicle as it is.
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Dallas Tx
St. Jude Vendor Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (0-60N4)
We used the header wrap that you are considering years ago. It causes the headers to "Crystalize". The metal becomes brittle and cracks develop.
the jet hot coating or Cool Mat is the way to go.
Give us a call if we can help. We have Cool mat "Competition" heat shields in stock.
Lou G
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,391
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From: Chandler AZ
Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (LG Motorsports)
Lou, what would you think regarding wrapped AND coated headers? Looking to reduce noise as well as heat. I don't see headers down below that often so if the wrap screws up the coating a little no big deal... but don't want to create more problems. What do you think?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
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Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (LG Motorsports)
Lou, I have been given the green light by the boss (wife) to shop the LT headers. There is no doubt in my mind that you have quite a set. I am curious as to the cost and time for the install. I don't see the need to go all out on the cost. I will try to call you guys early next week. I am in Dallas often on business so it would be great to drive the car up, drop it off and pick it up at the end of the day kind of thing.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
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Re: Long Tube headers - a different question. (Andy@AandACorvette)
Right on.
I have been watching your replies throughout the forum for almost a year. A very supportive vendor.
Thanks for the repsonse.
I have been watching your replies throughout the forum for almost a year. A very supportive vendor.
Thanks for the repsonse.
