stngh8r

Which DIY header paint, BBQ or VHT?

The headers will be sand blasted and then painted, however, I will not be able to cycle them on the engine and I don't have an oven big enough for them, so what to do to cure them?

buddhaz06

iTrader: (8)

Also curious

fbodyrs96

iTrader: (6)

I used rustoleum header paint, almost 2 years and still look great, but I did bake mine.

pir7tr

iTrader: (23)

I used VHT here.
I get the feeling most people paint and install.
They get upset that it flakes early.
They do not prep well or take the time to cure the paint.
The directions clearly state baking instructions as well as instructions for engine heating.
I'm in the middle of doing the header swap now. I will be following the step by step procedure for not baking. The process is to warm and cool the engine in 3 timed intervals. I have seen very few posts stating they followed the instructions. The ones that do have a flake free job.

Once they are installed do the engine cycle.
Another option, take them to a body shop and get them to throw them in their oven.

juSStin4171

iTrader: (2)

pir7tr - do you have any engine bay pics with those installed? I'm curious how the black looks. I've been thinking about this for my kooks since the stainless looks so discolored.

pir7tr

iTrader: (23)

Not at the moment.
I am currently in the middle of a motor mount install. The headers will go on for the first time soon.

I also went one extra step. Went a bit old school.
Don't mind the black zip ties...only there to hold the wrap until I cinched it down with a clamp.

Jonsgreasemonkey

I used vht. over a year later and still looks great. i just hit with a wire wheel and gave it two coats.



Installed:


I don't have any recently, but I can tell you they look exactly the same. it's held up great.

The paint will dry in 48 hours, and harden, but it wont cure till it gets on the car. so if you paint it and let it dry you shouldn't have to worry about baking it. it'll work itself out.

Mr. Trick

iTrader: (19)

I used VHT from the headers back on my car and its been holding up great. My dad has used bbq paint with success too.

98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

VHT here. I used them on 2 other LS1 cars and they held up pretty well.