in the summer time it gets pretty hot over here, and i am occasionally making trips that are an hour or more in the 100 plus degree heat. my stainless headers get pretty hot and they heat up my hood a pretty good amount. i was wondering if i should use some header wrap. anybody have any input?? does it really keep the temp down? any brands to stay away from? TIA...

 

i don't know what everyone else here thinks, but stay far away from header wrap, i would only use it on a race only app. Great for underhood temps, not so good for longevity of header

 

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If you want to reduce engine bay temperatures, I suggest having your header professionally coated (inside and out).

 

yeah if you wrap you header then it will induce heatsoak on the header that will i think kill performance and the header itself

 

The problem is it works *too* well.

With header wrap I could physically touch my headers after a hundred mile trip with the engine still running. Not that I could "leave" my hand there, but it was about like touching a hot radiator hose. I put a remote thermometer under the hood for kicks and measured under-hood temps 30+ degrees cooler with the wrap.

IMO, there's no validity to the rumor that header tape "traps moisture" and causes rust. I think the extreme temps can alter the properties of the steel, making it much more sensitive to corrosion. I don't have anything but personal experience to support my theory though.

 

My header is wrapped. No rust or corrosion, and I live near the beach.

 

its not rust or corrosion thats the problem, its containing TOO much heat, which although good for performance, isn't good for durability. I know that header wrap voids warranties, and yes they will know if you use it, and no i don't know how

 

Besides looking like crap, header wrap is a pain to deal with. Get your header ceramic coated. While you won't be able to lay your hand on the header, it increases the performance of the header. There are many companies that can do this, I am partial to the company I work with. If you need a recomendation, contact me here or at dadams@calicocoatings.com

 

yes it is a pain to deal with.