Heat wrapping a header

[dagger]

I have a S/S header pipe - was wondering if i should wrap it or not

Thanks

 

[old-git]

Depends whether you want to reduce the under bonnet heat or not.

There is some evidence that wrapping a stainless exhaust can reduce its lifespan, but only by a few years. Bearing in mind that they can last for decades a few years won't matter.

 

[gummy]

I dont know if i would want to,i like shinny things under the bonnet!,but dont they reckon its best to wrap to keep heat in?.

 

[pgarner]

didnt know about them reducing the lifespan of ss ones. have heard that its not a great idea on cast due to cracking

 

[old-git]

Opinions are divided and evidence somewhat unreliable. I have heard that wrapping can increase the chances of welds cracking on SS pipes and increasing the rate of rusting of mild steel pipes. However, on a new mild steel system you will have sold the car or rebuilt the engine long before the pipes rust through. Likewise with SS.

A good system should not have problems, but wrapping will find any weaknesses in an old or poorly made header.

 

[roauto]

stainless gets brittle if you wrap it, since stainless is not a very good conductor of heat it's best to leave it unwrapped.

 

[Prince]

Wrapping will allow the gases to exit quicker as it keeps the heat in and speeds up the process. However, you risk the manifold cracking due to the extra pressure.

 

[jarrus]

On a turbo engine it is totally worth doing,

You have to look where your manifolds are.... are they near anything that won't like excessive heat? if that answer is yes then wrapping is for you, bonnet vents are also good for reduceing under bonnet heat.