LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

coated header question

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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 08:18 PM
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every one says that coated headers are better my question is why are they better
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 08:39 PM
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because they don't melt stuff and they don't rust out as quickly.
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 08:41 PM
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how long would it take non coated headers to melt something
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 09:29 PM
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It should be noted that the primary intention of ceramic coating is to increase scavenging. No coating can 100% prevent rust from happening, although they do delay the formation of rust. If you want rustproof headers, pick up a stainless set.

You are just as likely to melt wires with ceramic coating as without. While they do reduce header surface temps, they still get way hot - enough to melt silicone and plastic.
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 10:09 PM
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If you get headers coated make sure it is done on the inside as well. External coating does not last very long especially if you dive anywhere that uses road salt in the winter.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 07:54 AM
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will this give me the same protection as coated headers http://www.designengineering.com/pro...FQzxDAodJwMZWg
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:14 AM
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From what I hear, wrapping headers is generally a bad idea if you're concerned about their longevity. The primary benefits of ceramic coating are performance related. If you can afford it, get some stainless headers and have them coated. Then you won't have to worry about rust, and you'll get the benefits associated with ceramic coating.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:16 AM
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ok so the best is to get coated headers cause they will not melt anything for a while
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:54 AM
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Assuming that coated headers won't melt your wires, or anything else that could come into contact with them, would be a mistake. They will keep the engine bay cooler, and the surface temps of the headers should be much lower assuming they're coated inside and out, but I'm sure they will still get hot enough to melt some things if they were to come into direct contact with the header.
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 01:05 PM
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last time i looked in my engine bay i didnt see any wires near the headers would it be out to put non coated headers on
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 01:46 PM
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I'm assuming you meant to ask whether it was OK to run uncoated headers, and I'm sure there are probably a lot of people running uncoated headers. Your original question was why are coated headers better.

If you didn't see any wires near the headers, does this mean that your car already has headers? Are you replacing them?
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 02:03 PM
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they are stock headers
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by mattgt40
ok so the best is to get coated headers cause they will not melt anything for a while
Originally Posted by mattgt40
last time i looked in my engine bay i didnt see any wires near the headers would it be out to put non coated headers on
Originally Posted by mattgt40
they are stock headers
I will repeat my original post...coated headers will NOT prevent burning/melting of your plug wires. Only GOOD routing and fiberglass sleeves can totally prevent burning.
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 01:41 PM
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thanks guys
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by RamAir95TA
I will repeat my original post...coated headers will NOT prevent burning/melting of your plug wires. Only GOOD routing and fiberglass sleeves can totally prevent burning.

Exactly,

If you don't want to melt wires I would recomend getting an over the valve cover wire setup (OTVC). Yes, ceramic coating is more for scavenging the exhaust flow away from the engine quickly. After a year or two surface rust will start to form on ceramic coated headers.
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 03:33 PM
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I forgot something, with ceramic headers if that is what you are planning. You can't install the O2 sensors right away because they are coated on the inside as well. When the coating is headed up initially, ceramic particles will break off the steel and flow down your exhaust. They particles can poisen O2 sensors and you will have to replace them. You would have to ask people with coated headers what they did for the first few weeks, I would assume just buy two plugs to fit into the O2 bungs and then install the O2's after a few weeks.
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 08:05 PM
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I doubt it takes a couple weeks to get the ceramic "cured". More like a couple heat cycles..
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 08:28 PM
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jet hot coating offer the same scavenging benefits as std ceramic coating right?
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by z_speedfreak
jet hot coating offer the same scavenging benefits as std ceramic coating right?
They're essentially the same thing.

Jet Hot is just the product name for their ceramic coating.
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by gregrob
I doubt it takes a couple weeks to get the ceramic "cured". More like a couple heat cycles..
Yeah, you are probably correct, I am not sure because I have stainless headers.
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