Ceramic Coating On Headers

Definitely works and Jet-Hot has the best warranty.

 

Yeah the ceramic coating is the best thing besides the Capristo heat shields.

 

Just curious why the factory wouldn't do this if it is so good? Does heat trapped in the headers cause any damage somehow to anything or even the valves from "heat sink" or anything? Exposed headers certainly look so much better than when they are wrapped with heat shields from the factory... I'm wondering if there is some downside risk to doing this vs the heat shield route.

 

My understanding from a distant memory of one of 'Stef's' posts is that ceramic coating is much less effective than wrapping either as per OEM or as per Capristo blanket. I believe he posted all sorts of heat measurements showing relative effectiveness at keeping engine bay temp under control.

 

It is depending on the coating you use and how they do it. The issue with some coatings is that they are only rated for a certain temperature for a period of time so they essentially burn or flake off. Also it has a lot to do with who does it for you and what steps they take before, during and after. I've used Jet-hot coatings and go overboard and get their top of the line (which is 2500 i believe) and then ill wrap the exhaust depending on the application.

DO NOT FORGET that with wraps it is imperative you coat the wrap with an anti-flammable substance because if any oil or any other contaminent falls onto it will ignite.

 

Capristo heat blankets FTW!

 

The first question is easy, COST. Ferrari runs ceramic coating on their F1 headers to help keep temps down.

 

A ceramic coating is the lightest way to reduce some heat in the engine bay, F1 is all about extremes of weight - but is it as good as a wrap in a road car where weight isn't as important.

Answer - no.


http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324850&highlight=capristo+headers&page=3


http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324850&highlight=capristo+headers&page=13

Couple of pages from the thread which are applicable - whole thread is very worth reading for any 430 owner!

 

Great info.

What do you recommend? Will it flake off as well, over time?

 

Not sure this is correct, I'm no expert but if the claims and videos are correct about how much heat is absorbed by the wrap then the outside won't be hot enough to ignite, the wrap itself won't burn.
Surely this is the whole point of the wrap, to keep the outside cool, any oil is less likely to be ignited than normal with lowered temperatures in the engine bay.

 

Im talking from experience, not hearsay or an internet forum expert trying to scare everyone. I've built various turbo engines with EGT's reaching 1700F if not higher things do ignite and you'd be surprised what type of damage can occur. If a header wrap gets soaked in a liquid (aside from coolant or windshield wiper fluid) bad things occur. The wrap is still a cloth material that unless sealed will allow liquid to permeate through it.

 

I have had excellent results with Swain Tech's exhaust coatings (White Lightning). I believe (not first-hand comparative experience) them to be superior to the Jet Hot paint type coatings in terms of performance and durability (based on a lot of surfing/research at the time). They are applied with some kind of plasma technique that I have since forgotten.

My actual experience is that the coating is very durable (no deterioration whatsoever after maybe 5 years), but they look kind of stupid in that they are bright white like Christmas snow. Another downside is that the coating is a rough ceramic (almost like a fine grit sandpaper), so it's very abrasive to you when installing it. For example, it will tend to shred Mechanix gloves pretty fast.

I would imagine that the Capristo blankets perform even better, albeit with the possible disadvantage that they absorb water/oil. I would consider using both. A problem that I have read with the glass heat wrap tape is that they can cause uneven, localized hot spots which can lead to stress cracks. Again, I cannot say this is direct experience or directly applicable to Ferrari headers/designs.

I, personally, would not hesitate to use Swain Tech's coatings as the only major downside is the silly look.

Just Google 'swain tech white lightning' for pictures, reviews, etc.

 

DA3BOUS- didn't you have an SC m3 that had issues with heat wrap?

 

Never supercharged the M3 (just cracked the exhaust manifold), but on the STi i had a small fire on the dyno when oil dripped onto the downpipe from the oil feed on the turbo and that was wrapped. Nothing significant, but a scary situation none-the-less.

 

See folks, jet coat or capristo heat sheilds.