To Wrap or not to Wrap (headers question)
#1
To Wrap or not to Wrap (headers question)
Hey,
My 1-7/8" OBX headers are coming in on Monday. That gives me time to think about wrapping them using something like this DEI header wrap. As I understand it, header wrap has the following pros and cons:
Edit: any idea on how well (or poorly, for that matter) the CTS-V does on emissions without catalytic converters, both before and after a tune?
My 1-7/8" OBX headers are coming in on Monday. That gives me time to think about wrapping them using something like this DEI header wrap. As I understand it, header wrap has the following pros and cons:
- It forces heat that would normally dissipate at the root of the headers (i.e.: right next to your engine block) to travel further down your exhaust system before dissipating, resulting in a cooler engine bay and thus cooler air intake. This is an especially good thing if you have that crappy K&N CAI.
- Conversely, this may also mean that your engine takes longer to warm up. When combined with a 160 degree thermostat, you could be sitting in the cold for a while during the winter.
- Header wrap can also trap moisture and accelerate corrosion.
- By increasing exhaust temperature, it may decrease catalytic converter lifetime.
Edit: any idea on how well (or poorly, for that matter) the CTS-V does on emissions without catalytic converters, both before and after a tune?
#2
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FWIW & IMHO: I personally do not like the appearance of any wrap, it can create a fire hazard if anything is spilled on it and it will cause additional area to be taken up around the diameter of the header tubes. Somebody on a V1 section somewhere had clearance problems between the header tube and the steering shaft caused by wrap.
I would consider ceramic coat depending upon cost of the process.
I would consider ceramic coat depending upon cost of the process.
#5
I wrapped mine.. more pros then cons for me.. they are SS headers im not to worried about rust.. search.lots of FAIL stories about headers
imo best route is a high temp ceramic coating but it costs as much as OBX headers new lol
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...n-exhaust.html
common whiss,, what do you call your alternator wire fiasco... or was that not you..
imo best route is a high temp ceramic coating but it costs as much as OBX headers new lol
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...n-exhaust.html
common whiss,, what do you call your alternator wire fiasco... or was that not you..
Last edited by shadyLS6; 04-01-2011 at 09:56 AM.
#6
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Yeah, if you have the time, wrap them just to be safe.
#7
yea bud your thread made me put the effort in and wrap mine up.. one little plastic tab is the only thing holding that bitch up there.
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#8
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I used two rolls of the DEI 2 inch wide wrap to do my Kooks long tube 1 7/8th headers....It does keep the sound down...I went with wrapping because the local ceramicoating guy refused to warranty the coating because of my Maggie...said the forced induction brings to much heat to guarantee the work...plus wrapping was 65-75 dollars compared to 275-350....
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I purchased DEI's 2" titanium wrap. 2 rolls at 50' each. Good temperature coverage and will cover with the silicon spray for protection.
Ugliness... Call it what you will. My hood is open for two minutes a week for fluid checks and once every two months for a clean. There is nothing to show off under a hood of a NA car. I think it's funny when people hear a cammed car and say, "hey, pop the hood!" you can't see the engines mod bro. And my ***** not chromed out.... It's just a daily soon to be street monster!
Ugliness... Call it what you will. My hood is open for two minutes a week for fluid checks and once every two months for a clean. There is nothing to show off under a hood of a NA car. I think it's funny when people hear a cammed car and say, "hey, pop the hood!" you can't see the engines mod bro. And my ***** not chromed out.... It's just a daily soon to be street monster!
Last edited by -T-; 04-01-2011 at 09:41 PM.
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Its definitely a bitch to wrap headers...but its worth it for the piece of mind. The only thing worse than wrapping would be having to smell the burning header wrap/silicone for a few weeks until it burns off.
#12
this is what happens when you don't wrap it up!!
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ecautions.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-you-may.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ecautions.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-you-may.html
#13
this is what happens when you don't wrap it up!!
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ecautions.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-you-may.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ecautions.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-you-may.html
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I talked with a sales rep at DEI about the titanium wrap being coated with the silicon spray after wrapping. I was reading conflicting arguments so I just contacted the makers. Silicon spray and wet wrapping is not required. Wet wrapping because it's more playable and doesn't stretch, which is why you wet wrap. Silicon spray - the wrap already contains the chemical compounds necessary for anti- fluid absorption. Therefore no need.
And for the horror stories of catching fire. I experimented with a 3" piece last night. Starting fluid, gasoline, butane torch and fire pit were my tools for the experiment.
I could not get this thing to light. After the flammables burnt out, I could pick the wrap up with my bare hands and hold it without risk of burn injuries. Thus stuff is awesome. It sat on a grate in the fire pit for 15 minutes, soot wiped right off to expose the just like new finish. I did everything but put it in a pan of oil and set it a flame. Mostly because I don't have anything to put it out and don't suggest anyone perform that experiment.
I suggest this product to anyone looking to wrap their headers. I'll post up my experience on the wrapping.
And for the horror stories of catching fire. I experimented with a 3" piece last night. Starting fluid, gasoline, butane torch and fire pit were my tools for the experiment.
I could not get this thing to light. After the flammables burnt out, I could pick the wrap up with my bare hands and hold it without risk of burn injuries. Thus stuff is awesome. It sat on a grate in the fire pit for 15 minutes, soot wiped right off to expose the just like new finish. I did everything but put it in a pan of oil and set it a flame. Mostly because I don't have anything to put it out and don't suggest anyone perform that experiment.
I suggest this product to anyone looking to wrap their headers. I'll post up my experience on the wrapping.
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this is what happens when you don't wrap it up!!
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ecautions.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-you-may.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ecautions.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...s-you-may.html
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ader-fail.html
#16
hahah tru whiss how could i forget..
2 rolls 50" DEI wrap + DEI SI spray==== smells like baked cookies on the first startup... fiberglass coookies
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...n-exhaust.html
2 rolls 50" DEI wrap + DEI SI spray==== smells like baked cookies on the first startup... fiberglass coookies
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...n-exhaust.html
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hahah tru whiss how could i forget..
2 rolls 50" DEI wrap + DEI SI spray==== smells like baked cookies on the first startup... fiberglass coookies
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...n-exhaust.html
2 rolls 50" DEI wrap + DEI SI spray==== smells like baked cookies on the first startup... fiberglass coookies
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...n-exhaust.html
Just went on DEI website and found this>>>>>>>>below in red print!!!!!!!!
Titanium Exhaust Wrap with LR Technology
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$15.00SKU: 010128
Titanium exhaust wrap, with LR Technology, is made from pulverized lava rock and stranded into a fiber material and is engineered to be stronger than typical wraps on the market today. It has the ability to handle higher heat for improved performance and durability – and with a cool carbon fi ber look!
Withstands 1800˚F direct/2500˚F radiant heat
Promotes increased flow for improved performance
High resistance to chemical & oil spills and abrasions
Reduces temperature & vibration breakdown
Extremely pliable for easy install – will not shrink
No need to "wet" wrap to install
NOTE: Design Engineering HT Silicone Coating spray is NOT recommended for DEI Titanium wrap.
Last edited by GREG O.; 04-13-2011 at 11:41 PM.