Do I really need coated headers?
Do I really need coated headers? So from what I've read coated headers seem to stay looking nicer longer, and not rust. Well when it comes to saving money or headers looking good, I would definitely rather save some money. And as far as rust goes I live in Arizona so it isn't a problem at all.
So are coated headers really worth it for me?
So are coated headers really worth it for me?
Non coated headders will look like you found them on the beach by a couple of days, but one of the main reasons for coatings is the under hood temps will be lower coated vs non coated...
If you plan on keeping the car for awhile the cost of coating will be offset twofold
1. You only have to install them once. Its a pain, if you dont know you will shortly.
2. You wont have to buy another set when they rust through, cause they will.
That's the only reason I got coated one's. Having done LT's on a 4thgen Fbod before, I knew it was going to be a mess. Didnt want to do it every couple years.
1. You only have to install them once. Its a pain, if you dont know you will shortly.
2. You wont have to buy another set when they rust through, cause they will.
That's the only reason I got coated one's. Having done LT's on a 4thgen Fbod before, I knew it was going to be a mess. Didnt want to do it every couple years.
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well im wondering the same thing, I live in the az as well and nothing rusts here. So is coating really necessary in arizona where the temp is 110+ all summer and doesnt go below 50 usually in winter and we might get two inches of rain all year lol and we have no idea what snow is.
Non-coated last about a year and coated will last 2 to 5+ depending on if you re-coat them. If your not driving it every day then i might think that non-coated would be ok, with some heat wrap. But, dont expect them to last long because you will still get moisture on them and rust pretty quick.
Last edited by LT1; Aug 4, 2008 at 10:56 AM.
I think you just misunderstood him, he meant underhood temps like the temperature around the headers. Less heat coming off the headers are better for plug wires etc. etc.
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no, i understand him. ok [for example], the car's plug wires will last 150k with stock everything and underhood temps through the roof. so...what's the benefit again? and whoever said painted headers will rust through in a year or whatever is a dumbass. my 72 el camino had the same set of NON coated headers on it for 20 years and 85k+ miles. surface rust, yes. leaks? nope. falling apart? nope. replaced them with a set of coated headers that had rust on the bottoms of them within a year. and this truck was daily driven 10 years in central indiana. snow, rain, sun, whatever.
The last set of "non" coated headers I had were rusted in about 5 days. They were "done" as in pin hole leaks through the collectors and at the exhaust ports within a year and a half. This was on a 440 charger. They MAY have seen 6000 "nice" weather miles. Just speaking from my experince.
I apologize if that makes me a "dumbass".
I apologize if that makes me a "dumbass".
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The last set of "non" coated headers I had were rusted in about 5 days. They were "done" as in pin hole leaks through the collectors and at the exhaust ports within a year and a half. This was on a 440 charger. They MAY have seen 6000 "nice" weather miles. Just speaking from my experince.
I apologize if that makes me a "dumbass".
I apologize if that makes me a "dumbass".
Coating is suppose to help with keeping the heat in the exhaust, and yes it's worth it. Also they cool down faster, so it;s easier on the hands when you want to pull a spark plug after a run!!!
from what ive seen uncoated headers can last a hell of a long time without rusting through. they'll surface rust but nothing crazy. id just keep and eye on them and dont let it get out of control. its one of those things called preventative maintaince.
no, i understand him. ok [for example], the car's plug wires will last 150k with stock everything and underhood temps through the roof. so...what's the benefit again? and whoever said painted headers will rust through in a year or whatever is a dumbass. my 72 el camino had the same set of NON coated headers on it for 20 years and 85k+ miles. surface rust, yes. leaks? nope. falling apart? nope. replaced them with a set of coated headers that had rust on the bottoms of them within a year. and this truck was daily driven 10 years in central indiana. snow, rain, sun, whatever.
I have non coated pacesetters. They have been on my ride for around 4 years now. Yes they are rusted but it just adds to the sleeper effect. I could paint them with some bad *** header paint and stop it but I dont really care. I have also NEVER burned anything because of them! I am on my second set of plug wires with no issues.
My non coated pacesetters have been on my car for a year and they havent rusted any on top. The bottom has some rust, but it quit raining in Georgia a long time ago so i have nothing to worry about.
