Fellow 355ers, I am contemplating changing out my leaky factory exhaust manifolds with Fab Speeds. The options I am contemplating is weather to Ceramic Coat or not. Wondering if anybody has installed silver or black ceramic coated manifolds (with pictures). Would like to see them what they look like installed, even if chrome. I am not a fond of chrome in the engine bay which is the standard from Fab Speed. Not that it's wrong, just not my style. Is Ceramic worth it, and opinions if the coating makes a difference. Thanks brothers and sisters. Boaf
I have Fabspeeds in my 355. They're polished stainless steel, not chrome. They'll age and discolor over time. If you're concerned that they might be too "blingy", don't worry. It won't last for long - though they can be re-polished. Others will need to opine on pros/cons of ceramic coating (e.g. Swain, Jet-Hot etc). I know with Swain, you can choose any color you want so long as it's white.
Thanks Malex. That is good to know the "bling" fades. Any photos of the seasoned Fab Speeds on your 355?
I have Fab Speed Headers as well. With about 62 miles on them. They already starting to dull up. I would recommend getting the thermal blankets with them, however. You end up not seeing much of the headers at all then. If I had my car out I would grab a picture for you, but it is still in storage.
Heat shields are probably best, but ceramic coating is generally considered the very least you should do to prevent excessive heat soak to surrounding components. I went with Swain Tech, and painted the manifolds white on a '97 I had; some of these are not my pics, but same idea. Black works well too if you don't care to see them in the engine bay. As said, untreated manifolds will quickly oxidize and the mirror finish will fade. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I highly recommend replacing your headers with Tubi headers instead. They are the only ones with built in heat shielding like the factory.
Expect the ceramic coat to peel eventually......have yet to see one not peeling. Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat