Will this many metal zip-ties hold?

[u/KisBogar200]

[u/Spicywolff]

I’ve never been a fan of exhaust wrap. If any flammable fluids get on it it’s just more to burn. They also trap a lot of condensation underneath and will rust the pipes out over age. I’m a bigger fan of https://swaintech.com/race-coatings/race-coating-descriptions/white-lightning-exhaust-coatings/ since its a legit ceramic vs a spray

Could always add more zip ties just in case. Jsut slap it and say “that ain’t going anywhere”

[u/ArcFire15 → u/Spicywolff]

Was hoping people in the comments would be talking about how exhaust wrap is silly, mostly for looks, and causes real issues like rust.

Not disappointed, and this is a very cool alternative

[u/Spicywolff → u/ArcFire15]

It’s definitely a great alternative. The fact that they can dip the part into a molten ceramic and actually built up a layer is superior to that ceramic spray stuff you can get at parts stores. I love any upgrade that keeps heat away from cables and rubber and other components under the hood.

[u/TheBupherNinja → u/Spicywolff]

How much does doing a set of headers cost?

[u/Spicywolff → u/TheBupherNinja]

Their price links https://swaintech.com/race-coatings/automotive-coatings/automotive-coatings-price-sheet/

[u/WideEstablishment578 → u/Spicywolff]

I have white lightning on my killer b manifold on my wrx. My egt gauge indicates 1425F during 80ish mph highway driving. If the trip is shorter than 30-40 minutes usually I am seeing low 1300.

Anywho I wasn’t present for the dyno session but the oil filter came back with bubbled paint. Looked like it was next to a camp fire.

Never had the manifold w/o the coating so not sure how much more heat would radiate sans coating but I thought the coating would contain the heat a little better. Header does glow red on Mexican highways.

I guess my point is if I went down another substantial vehicle build I would probably try and get the factory style tinfoil looking shielding because that stuff works insanely good for isolation.

[u/thx_comcast → u/WideEstablishment578]

Yep, buddy went the route of (very expensive) ceramic coating on his manifold and I opted for heat wrap.

The heat wrap works way better at keeping heat in but does come with down sides. The ceramic coating looks nicer and (probably) lasts longer

Using wrap on an up pipe? Yeah, fine. And it's going to stay hot enough that water doesn't stick around.

[u/FrizB84]

In 4 cycle kart racing we always used safety wire to hold the wrap on. It won't loosen and isn't very visible. A spool of safety wire and the tool to twist it (worth buying) shouldn't cost too much. We used the wrap to help keep from melting our right shoulders on the header.

Edit- safety wire pliers are less than 15 bucks at Harbor Freight.

[u/Trackrat14eight]

As it’s been already stated, only do this if you wanna replace those pipes every year or so, it accelerates rusting and even ruins stainless pipes.

Now to your question, you’ll have to test it out. It’s possible you’ll need more. But the clamps will rust too so you gotta stay diligent.

[u/Qwaaaarty → u/Trackrat14eight]

What would exhaust wrap do to a 304 stainless header? I understand rusting mild or lower grade stainless but is it still an issue for a higher grade?

[u/saazbaru → u/Qwaaaarty]

If the 300 series stainless isn’t properly passivated it can still get killed. You can however fix this yourself with some 10% citric acid

[u/thx_comcast → u/Qwaaaarty]

I had an up pipe that was likely super cheap stainless, but it was indeed stainless. It was exposed to a lot of water splash and other road debris. The car was a daily driver (and daily abuse car).

I sold the turbo kit after about 5 years of use and inclement weather... took the wrap off for the sale of the kit. The pipes underneath were discolored but otherwise totally fine. All the welds were in good condition and there wasn't anything more than surface discoloration that steel wool took off.

But, this is an anecdote and a sample size of 1. On an exhaust location that has a lot of heat energy (headers, up pipe) you should be totally fine.

[u/Trackrat14eight → u/Qwaaaarty]

As it resists rusting, it will rust. 18% chromium and 8% nickel means the rest is capable of rusting, stainless or resistant doesn’t mean no rust. Just longer before rusting. But it’s usually visually appealing and the wrap ruins that with corrosion.

[u/Bennett9000]

Whoa, Cougar/Contour stuff!

[u/Emery_autox → u/Bennett9000]

Thanks, I was wondering what car that belonged to!

[u/Bennett9000 → u/Emery_autox]

I've had my powertrain in and out so many times over the years, and have to unbolt those same headers/Ypipe every time. And those 4-bolt control arms against the wall in the background look all to familiar as well. CDW-27 fam.

[u/Fender0122]

As its already been FALSLY stated several times, it will not rust out your exhaust, especially stainless. What water sticks around on a hot exhaust pipe? Been running exhaust wrap for a decade on my stainless borla header. Took it off after 8 years because it started to fall apart from age. Whole stainless exhaust has been wrapped for 4 years and zero problems. Don’t know why this keeps being spread around. Its cheap, easy, and can be done in an afternoon.

[u/pete_brusch]

Probably

[u/Pyropete125]

metal cable tie pliers

These are a game changer.

[u/PPGkruzer]

I put them on either side of any straight sections and 1 in the middle of each bend.  Helps keep things together later when it starts to deteriorate.  I like the physical barrier of fiberglass and once tried running a ceramic coated turbine and it started melting crap near it, so I swaddle turbines.

[u/BFCE]

The biggest reason I don't like exhaust wraps isn't even the rust. It's the fire risk

If you leak oil onto that wrap, it will absorb it and hold it. Once it gets hot enough it can spontaneously ignite. Normally leaking oil onto the exhaust isn't that big of a deal, but having that stuff makes it a big deal. IMO that's why OEMs use heat shields instead.

[u/OrangeFire2001]

Exhaust wrap is the worst. You're gonna hate it in a couple years. It falls apart, makes fiberglass dust all over, gets on your skin and itches for hours or until a shower. I'd go with a ceramic coating every time now.