Is it worth it to wrap my new DC SPort 4-2-1 header with exhaust wrap? Header wrap is supposedly better than ceramic coated header, reducing under hood temperature by 70%. The header wrap keeps the heat in the header allowing for hotter exhaust gases to flow through the exhaust system. So, even though I have a CC header, should I wrap it(I don't care about the engine not looking as good) or should I just keep it unwrapped? If it was wrapped...guys would wonder what was under it...hmm

 

Don't do it unless you plan on replacing a cracked header.

 

Ceramic coated header+exhaust wrap=Cracked header...

 

so what kind of header can be wrapped safely? What makes a CC'd header crack when wrapped?

 

Damn it!...so, if it's too insulated it will crack? I'm guessing it's because the gases would be too hot inside the header and there needs to be some heat leaving the header.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LudeyKrus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">so what kind of header can be wrapped safely? What makes a CC'd header crack when wrapped?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well take this for what it's worth. Where I work we use Inconel headers... when wrapped they end up cracking. Inconel is the best stuff you can use, period. I also work with ex-factory race car mechanics. They say, "wrapping = cracking." They suggest a stainless steel shrould. You have to allow air to circulate around the tubes.

 

how bout this wrap the header but with some space between each wrap...am i just a crazy thinker or a genieus?

 

a friend's wrapped dc cc headers has lasted more than a year already. he wrapped it because he accidentally sprayed some **** that took the cc from the header which caused the engine bay to get incredibly hot. so he wrapped it, and it's been fine ever since. not to mention a slight improvement from "CC-stripped" to wrapped.

 

^^^^^

 

I have my DC CC header wrapper for almost 2 years. And my car is a daily driver. I have about 32K on the car. I driver in summer winter rain or shine or snow and i havent noticed anything wrong with it. No cracks yet. but who knows what the future will hold.

If anything there is always room for improvement.... SMSP

 

so, what is up with all these claims that CC headers will crack??

 

Well first of all wouldn't a full race motor have quite a bit more heat flowing through the headers. I could probally see a turbo'd manifold cracking if it were wrapped more heat thier i'm assuming also. Course i could always be wrong here

 

I've had my stainless DC wrapped since I got it almost 6 years ago. My car is mainly a daily driver, but I've done several long road trips, many autoXes, and several open track days. No problems. Maybe the mild steel ones are cracking, but mine hasn't.

 

the reason why they crack is because of the fact that the ceramic material that the header is constructed of is designed to dissipate heat. when wrapping the header you dont allow the ceramic material to do its job..the heat stays in, and over stresses the piping to the point of expansion..ie. cracking.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NatakuBlitz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the reason why they crack is because of the fact that the ceramic material that the header is constructed of is designed to dissipate heat. when wrapping the header you dont allow the ceramic material to do its job..the heat stays in, and over stresses the piping to the point of expansion..ie. cracking.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, ceramic coating is to keep the heat IN, not out. It's an insulating material and if you ever touch a plate or a cup, it doesn't get hot as easily as metal because they're made of ceramic. I think the possible moisture that forms between the wrap and the header can cause corrosion and/or cracking. But I doubt that the whole header cracks because of the wrap, probably just the ceramic coating. To crack a header, you'll have to hit it pretty hard or go through other extremes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by showgunz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No, ceramic coating is to keep the heat IN, not out. It's an insulating material and if you ever touch a plate or a cup, it doesn't get hot as easily as metal because they're made of ceramic. I think the possible moisture that forms between the wrap and the header can cause corrosion and/or cracking. But I doubt that the whole header cracks because of the wrap, probably just the ceramic coating. To crack a header, you'll have to hit it pretty hard or go through other extremes .</TD></TR></TABLE>

i agree.... i dont understand why the header would crack. there is no evidence that it will... its all he said she said at this point. of course, everyone knows someones whos had this happen, but what happend? what was the set-up? if the wrap causes cracking then why is it even still being used?

 

When you wrap a CC header your exhaust gas is to hot. Cermaic coating keeps the heat out of the engine bay and in the header, where it benefits by heating the exhaust enough to make a beneficial difference. By wrapping the CC header you can damage the cat and not to mention damage your header. Just like an engine if it runs to hot you detonate and shorten the life of the engine.

 

back from the dead...lol

 

So would it still be a "bad" idea if the wrap were used on a mild steel header?