Thoughts on header coating???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 488
Likes: 28
From: Olive Branch MS
Thoughts on header coating???
I just got a '10 GS a6(daily driver) and the mod bug is nearing. I plan to get 1 3/4 headers with high flow cats...intake, tune and axle back...I had a Trailblazer SS with coated headers and all was fine. I have heard different opinions about whether or not is is truly necessary to coat the headers. Now that I am on a CORVETTE forum, I can get REAL opinions on coating ect.
Also, should you replace wires and plugs?
Thanks in advance!!
Scott
Also, should you replace wires and plugs?
Thanks in advance!!
Scott
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
I just got a '10 GS a6(daily driver) and the mod bug is nearing. I plan to get 1 3/4 headers with high flow cats...intake, tune and axle back...I had a Trailblazer SS with coated headers and all was fine. I have heard different opinions about whether or not is is truly necessary to coat the headers. Now that I am on a CORVETTE forum, I can get REAL opinions on coating ect.
Also, should you replace wires and plugs?
Thanks in advance!!
Scott
Also, should you replace wires and plugs?
Thanks in advance!!
Scott
I have had uncoated headers for years now, and they hold up perfectly and there are no heat issues in the engine compartment.
Race Director<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/7k-10k.gif" border="0">
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: HOME OF THE FREE. BECAUSE OF OUR BRAVE. Babylon NY
St. Jude Donor '06 thru '20
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 10
From: Jacksonville FL
Depends on the header. Many headers are now made from stainless steel because they retain the heat much better. Some are still made from mild steel, which will rust quickly and not hold the heat in, resulting in higher underhood temps.
I wouldn't coat stainless, I would coat mild steel.
I wouldn't coat stainless, I would coat mild steel.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
Depends on the header. Many headers are now made from stainless steel because they retain the heat much better. Some are still made from mild steel, which will rust quickly and not hold the heat in, resulting in higher underhood temps.
I wouldn't coat stainless, I would coat mild steel.
I wouldn't coat stainless, I would coat mild steel.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: Paramus NJ
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
The only reason to coat them is for looks, and after 5 years, they all look the same, so it depends on if you care about such things for car shows, and how long you plan to keep your car.
I have had uncoated headers for years now, and they hold up perfectly and there are no heat issues in the engine compartment.
I have had uncoated headers for years now, and they hold up perfectly and there are no heat issues in the engine compartment.
Depends on the header. Many headers are now made from stainless steel because they retain the heat much better. Some are still made from mild steel, which will rust quickly and not hold the heat in, resulting in higher underhood temps.
I wouldn't coat stainless, I would coat mild steel.
I wouldn't coat stainless, I would coat mild steel.
Personally, I left the factory/stock plugs in until they got some miles/use on them because I'm a thrifty guy and like to maximize these things LOL
but there are better ones (NGK) out there. Plug wires, I would only change them out for another set of the exact same OEM stock ones once the originals got too old/too many miles on them.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
I bought a set of LG super pro's for my z. I had them jet-hot coated (sterling silver) last month. I can tell you that they definitely bring down the overall eminating from the area where the headers are, plus they look beautiful. I had the headers, xpipe and cats done. I've seen tests done with a gun to measure the surface temps of coated and uncoated headers. They appear to do what is advertised. I didn't see it with my own eyes, so who really knows for sure if it's 100 percent worth it. I can post pics if you like.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
If you'd like you can try this experiment to know for sure, drive around in stop & go traffic with a few highway blasts for about an hour or so and then stop and immediately pop the hood and grab a hold of a couple of those coated header primaries for a minute or two and then let us know.
That was a joke, kids do not try this at home LOL.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
I doubt it was a lot, just seemed that way....maybe it was my head trying to justify the extra money I spent. If it really didn't work, I'm not sure how a company that does coatings stay in business. It's got to do a little bit! no?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,569
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From: Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Headers coating
There have been several instances mentioned on the Forum and elsewhere that have told of problems with headers coating in that they have cracked near the primaries. The problem was recognized as being a difference in the heat expansion of the metal as opposed to the ceramic coating. Many owners have chosen to use some of the high quality interior insulation available from several Forum vendors to preclude heat infusion into the cockpit/interior but this, of course, does not address the heat radiating near the engine.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
Yes, it should definitely reduce the temps of the headers to the touch by quite a few degrees for sure, it's just that some have argued whether that's even a truly good thing or not.
Something about the flow/velocity of exhaust gases exiting the motor or something.
The stainless headers that have been on both of my cars aren't coated and I likely won't have any stainless headers that I might buy in the future coated either.
The coated ones do look pretty though.
Something about the flow/velocity of exhaust gases exiting the motor or something.
The stainless headers that have been on both of my cars aren't coated and I likely won't have any stainless headers that I might buy in the future coated either.
The coated ones do look pretty though.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
I just got a '10 GS a6(daily driver) and the mod bug is nearing. I plan to get 1 3/4 headers with high flow cats...intake, tune and axle back...I had a Trailblazer SS with coated headers and all was fine. I have heard different opinions about whether or not is is truly necessary to coat the headers. Now that I am on a CORVETTE forum, I can get REAL opinions on coating ect.
Also, should you replace wires and plugs?
Thanks in advance!!
Scott
Also, should you replace wires and plugs?
Thanks in advance!!
Scott
1. Heat reduction in engine compartment. Less heat on your plug wires and wiring.
2. better savaging due to heat staying in.
3. Looks better plus your headers will last longer.
4. Coat stainless as well for the same reason's
5. Won't put on a set of uncoated headers.
6. Jet hot is the BEST!
Forget the 1 3/4 for your GS get 1 7/8's! Plus 3 inch X-pipe!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 3
From: TEXOMA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Lots of reasons to coat them!
1. Heat reduction in engine compartment. Less heat on your plug wires and wiring.
2. better savaging due to heat staying in.
3. Looks better plus your headers will last longer.
4. Coat stainless as well for the same reason's
5. Won't put on a set of uncoated headers.
6. Jet hot is the BEST!
Forget the 1 3/4 for your GS get 1 7/8's! Plus 3 inch X-pipe!
1. Heat reduction in engine compartment. Less heat on your plug wires and wiring.
2. better savaging due to heat staying in.
3. Looks better plus your headers will last longer.
4. Coat stainless as well for the same reason's
5. Won't put on a set of uncoated headers.
6. Jet hot is the BEST!
Forget the 1 3/4 for your GS get 1 7/8's! Plus 3 inch X-pipe!
took the words right out of my mouth
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
You're right. The larger tubes hurt tq in the heart of the powerband. Thats right where you wouldnt want to lose it. There have been tests performed on S/C'd cars and the difference is minimal and not worth the effort. On a stock engined car hp/tq loss would be substansial. I have 1 3/4 LG Pros on my 522rwhp are they perform great. They are not coated either and my cabin stays nice and cool, and the heat in the engine compartment doesnt get to hot either. I wouldnt bother coating SS long tubes.
Last edited by NYC6; Jul 4, 2010 at 02:35 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 23
From: Santa Barbara CA
I've been there and tried both ways over the years. I've had ceramic coated headers and raw stainless. I cannot say much about the possibility of improved performance with the coatings, but I think the raw or brushed stainless holds up better and is easier to keep looking nice. Ceramic coatings like to stain and discolor if anything spills on them. Raw stainless can be restored with scotch-brite and WD40 if it ever needs some freshening (as per Stainless Works).
I also think that ceramic coated headers look out of place in a modern car's engine bay. I'm in California, and like my headers to blend in, too . For what its worth, I went with LG Super-Pro 1 3/4" headers w/ cats on my cammed '08 LS3 car. I didn't want to give up the extra long primary tubes and torque by going with 1 7/8" headers.
Oh, and one other thing. I'd recommend picking up one of the ceramic/stainless starter heat shields from Lingenfelter (http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...egory_Code=E15). I've seen starter terminals/cables melt over time on LSx cars with headers. The Lingenfelter heat shield was cheap insurance for me, as I am trying to keep my car as reliable as it was when stock.
Andy
I also think that ceramic coated headers look out of place in a modern car's engine bay. I'm in California, and like my headers to blend in, too
. For what its worth, I went with LG Super-Pro 1 3/4" headers w/ cats on my cammed '08 LS3 car. I didn't want to give up the extra long primary tubes and torque by going with 1 7/8" headers. Oh, and one other thing. I'd recommend picking up one of the ceramic/stainless starter heat shields from Lingenfelter (http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...egory_Code=E15). I've seen starter terminals/cables melt over time on LSx cars with headers. The Lingenfelter heat shield was cheap insurance for me, as I am trying to keep my car as reliable as it was when stock.
Andy