Header Wrapping, Good or Bad? Options

[TRD-ST204]

I always thought that wrapping the header was a good thing because it adds horsepower but then I found this:Why It's Bad
If this information is right then it would be better to use a header coating but, what if the header was already coated with chrome? Is it alright to coat a chrome coated header like the one that is on ebay. Has any one done this or have some insight on this issue? Thanks

[DeW_H0e_GT]

i posted seomthin liek this b4...i think some1 said its not good...seeing you're drivin your 6gc everyday ( i assume)...and it would crystalize overtime from coolin on n off which will cause yoru header to crack...my advice would jus go with the headers u see in ebay...but dont quote me on this one about the headers @ ebay....

hope this helps

[recneps]

they say that water will absorbe into the material and trap it next to the metal until until you turn your cars on, to me this dosnt make since as the water will evaporate as soon as it touchs your header.


ive had friends with header wrap on rsx-s race headers and took the wrap off only to reveal shinny clean metal, and my 7th gens header was wrapper no problems.

but your really only going to make 1-2hp extra not even measurable.

[Galcobar]

A) chrome coatings are thin, and can easily be worn through by the wear produced by the header wrap. Even if it's wrapped so perfectly the engine vibrations do not disturb it, you cannot avoid the metal expansion/contraction

B) Water may evaporate as soon as it touches your manifold or header when the car is at temp, but when the temps go down, the wrap does a great job of holding water in. Now you've got a damp cloth tightly wrapped around ferrous metal -- rust is a distinct probability.

C) Depends on the material. Some headers are made out of stainless, and therefore won't rust. The rigidity of stainless issues also mean they often benefit from the more gradual cooling produced by the wrap.

[blu94gt]

I say just leave it unwrapped

[TRD-ST204]

Thanks for all of the replies.