Heat wrap on header for stroker?

[splatXJ]

Just my .02 cents on high-temp paint. I did find a high temp that worked! POR-15 makes an exhaust manifold paint. It is available in several colors. I used it on the 350TBI in my old YJ and it darkened just a bit, but never burnt off! A bit pricey, but well worth the money spent. Of course it has no insulating properties like the cermaic coatings do, but is a cheaper alternative if someone is only concerned about appearance and rust-proofing.

 

[75SV1]

I did the header wrap on a set of headers for a '75 Bricklin (351 W motor). The underhood temps were very hot. The header wrap did reduce the underhood temps. I read that the header wrap caused increased corrosion, and that is what I found. It seemed to have rusted more than what it had unwrapped. I sent the headers to Jet-Coat. I think it was about $300 in the early 90's. I notice about the same amount of underhood temp reductions. I didn't measure with a thremometer just by feel. With a Bricklin, you will notice the underhood temps when you pop the hood. A Jeep doesn't compare. The Jet-Coated headers still look the same as the day I put them on. I haven't run the car much in those 13 years.
I did have a set of Pace Setter Armour coated (thier version of ceramic coating) headers on my MJ for about 3 1/2 years. They held up. There was some rust lines around the edges of the flanges when I sold the header. I now have a Clifford ceramic coated set on my MJ. I haven't run them yet. I would go with ceramic coating. One guy quoted about $175 or so for a V-8 set of headers.
I don't think there is any durability problems with ceramic coatings. Jet Coat coats both inside and out . I think that helps. If you have acces to a sandblaster, you might sand blast your set first and that might reduce the cost.
Tom

 

[meengreen]

Why is everyone afraid of stainless headers corroding? Isn't that why we buy stainless, so it won't corrode?

 

[75SV1]

Stainless will rust or corrode, just not as fast as regular steel. It also depends on the grade of Stainless Steel. 300 series or 400 series. 400 is more resistant to coroding and the prefered choice for headers.
Tom

 

[meengreen]

I think it might be opposite. 300 series has no carbon in it and that is why it isn't magnetic. No carbon = no rust. 400 series, on the other hand, has carbon which is why it is magnetic and will corrode. If someone has more specific info please step in. I have been a machinist for 16yrs and this is the basic knowledge I have picked up along the way. 300 will oxidize. But it doesn't corrode and disintegrate like steel (which has a big carbon content). So I guess technically, yes stainless will "oxidize" but will not lose it's integrity. Just my .02$.

 

[75SV1]

Here's one link:
http://www.rolledsteel.com/prostainles.htm
So I stand corrected on the quality of the series. Looks like 430 is easier to bend so its used more for pipes. I think you are mistaken on the carbon content and what rusts in steel. I doubt that 300 series has no carbon, I think it has .02-.03 % carbon (mild steel). Its the iron content that rust in steel.
Tom

 

[meengreen]

Your right, it is the iron content not the carbon. But 300 is not mild steel. That would be like saying 300 SS is coldrolled steel. They are different. I found this info after a quick search of the net. Interesting stuff, by the way. I've been working with this stuff for years and didn't even know this.
http://www.sciam.com/print_version.cfm?articleID=0004B3F8-5A1D-1C72-9EB7809EC588F2D7

 

[75SV1]

The link has a good explanation of why it doesn't rust (corrode) as bad. I was comparing the carbon content to regular steel types. Yes, SS has a much higher chromium content than regular steels, but so do most of the tool steels. Now I don't disagree that the SS are a good header choice. I think the factory header is SS, but very this gauge. SS headers are more expensive than regular headers. I haven't owned a set though. I just haven't had any rust problems with my ceramic coated headers and they contain the heat to some extents. At least to what I can feel. Also, I used to be a machinist for about 10 years. I'm a drafter now. Some of the fun type of steels to machine. I never had the chance to machine titanium, but I did some X-15 SS, stelite and some other stuff.
Tom

 

[meengreen]

I machine a lot of titanium. I work for a surgical implant company. You know, all the pins and plates you here about. And yes, I hear the ceramic coating is the way to go. It is just so damned expensive. :tears:

 

[75SV1]

Look at Clifford Headers. I think its about $75 more than the standard header. I have a set, but haven't fired up the engine. I think getting a standard set of headers coated is about equivalent to the cost of a set of SS. At least Borla. Just remember that Clifford's don't include the downpipe. So that needs to be factored in.
Tom