Can't find the link... Coated headers surface temps run hundreds of degrees cooler than non coated. Reatining the heat in the header is supposed to move exhaust gases better from hot to cold via the laws of thermodynamics making them more efficient. Surrounding equipment is not subjetct to the heat radiation of uncoated headers, exhaust manifolds or downpipes. Except where I've scratched them they have not discolored or rusted after two years. My $.02... Mikey
If you want to extend the life of cheap sbc headers? Knock the paint off them & coat them with good "weld through" primer. Just make sure they get a couple good heat cycles the first couple times you drive the vehicle after install. Learned this from the owner of the body shop I worked at for several years. Have tested it on many friends 4x4s over the years. It will make a cheap set of headers last 10+ yrs. while driven in all kinds of conditions.
Yeah, main reason to ceramic coat is heat...much less radiates compared to chromed or stainless. I ceramic coated my Wildcat intake....probably not a good idea....may trap heat or insulate it from heat?
I had my TA's ceramic coated and am 100% happy I did. I hate seeing a nice clean warmed up mill with some good looking go fast goodies nestled between Rusty crusty headers. Just kills an otherwise clean engine compartment.
I’ll hopefully be coating a set of used ta headers I bought and a set of stainless headers for my Tahoe with ceramic cerakote next week. I’m excited!
I'm still rolling with VHT flat aluminum on most my stuff. Have to touch up the beater after each winter, but other than that, good to go. No substitute for ceramic coating, obviously, but works well on cheaper stuff for me. The headers on the F100 probably have 40,000 miles on that paint.
Looks like the orange paint Coby (a NZ manufacturer ) use on their headers & hot dog mufflers. First start up its Browning amd smoking within seconds - stinks real bad too
