i know all about jethot and ceramic coatings on headers but im wondering what you guys think about zinc,nickle,chrome plating or powder coating a header with the newer extreme durability powders.

my reason for asking is, the header i have on my car now is 8 months old and is stainless steel but looks like its been driven to hell in an ocean full of salt. its rusted to **** and i dont want my new $500 header to turn the same way.

 

Hello:

Your header is oxidizing as a result of the heat which is very common in SS. (See below). All of those plating processes are useless in an exhaust application like yours. They are not meant for those temps. Further, high temp powder are not really meant for header or manifold applications as well. They are glorified BBQ coatings meant for limited temp industrial applications. More importantly, none of the processes you've mentioned above offer any of the thermal advantages of ceramic coatings. The ceramic will not only provide corrosion resistance but it will reduce the heat transferring through the substrate as well as allowing any heat that has soaked through to dissipate much quicker.

For your application you need a High Temp Ceramic Coating capable of 2000F+. Bright ceramics will not work for long either....

Smoked 304SS pipes from an F430


Uncoated street header

 

I feel like they are some what of a waste. I haven't seen any coatings that lasted very long. If you're worried about the heat I recommend just wrapping them in exhaust wrap. Old school.

 

That would imply that whatever you witnessed was done improperly. Ceramics that will withstand these temps are no-brainer..... Its just not going to happen with any type of plating.

FYI, the best case is coat them and wrap, especially if they are mild steel. If not they will break down very quickly. Coating the SS prior to wrap will prevent any further oxidation / corrosion and will further improve the performance.

Wrapped w/o coating


7 second, 1500HP+ street driven Supra, "holding up"


4000HP twin turbo seems to be "holding up" fine.......

 

ok you've got me convinced.

i like the look of the first picture you posted up top.

how much does it cost?

 

powdercoat with high heat paint and you'll be fine!!

 

Yeah, here is some "high temp powder" hard at work....... LOL.....