How to Performance Wrap Headers
After searching for headers that fit your vehicle and are within your budget, it is evident that you want them to withstand the test of time. Then you observe the individuals whose exhausts are wrapped. If you begin perusing forums or asking your fellow gearheads for their views, you may uncover a range of opinions on the subject. When it comes to exhaust wrapping, the primary concern is typically heat management. Keeping heat within the header and out of the engine compartment serves a crucial purpose. Important electrical components, brake lines, gasoline lines, etc., must be protected from excessive heat. But the purpose of this post is to examine the facts behind exhaust wrap and assess whether it is the perfect product for you.
How to Performance Wrap Headers
There are two fundamental reasons why people wrap their exhaust: the most common is for radiant heat control, and there are also modest performance gains. Products such as DEI’s Titanium exhaust wrap are rated to reduce temperatures beneath the hood by up to 50 percent, which is substantial given the amount of area we normally have to deal with. In terms of performance, header wraps are intended to keep heat within the header, thereby increasing exhaust gas temperatures. This temperature increase aids in exhaust scavenging, which increases exhaust speeds and decreases intake temperatures.
This sounds fantastic! However, there are further factors to consider. Before wrapping your headers or exhaust, you should always consult the manufacturer’s warranty policy. The majority of warranties are null and void once the headers have been wrapped. These components are meant to contain the intense engine temperatures within the header. This prevents cool air from circulating the header, and when the pipes cool down after engine use, condensation forms inside the header. This can cause corrosion buildup, rust, and premature wear on the headers.
If you opt to wrap your exhaust for performance or temperature control, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation process. For optimal bonding, some wraps require coating the header before installation, while others do not. Alternately, if you desire durability, you may choose to consider having your headers ceramic-coated. The same fundamental principles apply to ceramic coverings that absorb heat within and reflect heat externally.