Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

Exhaust System Header Wrapping

9/13/2016
Add Article To List

After spending the time searching for a set of headers that finally fit your ride and meet your budget needs, it's obvious you want them to last the test of time. Then you see the guys who wrap their exhaust. If you start reading through forums or asking your fellow gearheads for their opinion about it, you might discover some mixed feelings on the topic. When it comes to wrapping the exhaust, the concern is usually with regards to heat control. Keeping the heat inside the header and out of the engine bay serves an important purpose. You have valuable electrical components, brake lines, fuel lines, etc. that need to be guarded against extreme heat. But in this article, it is our goal to look at the facts about exhaust wrap and determine whether it's the right product for you.

There are two basic reasons people wrap their exhaust: most often it's for radiant heat control, but in addition to this, there are slight performance benefits. If you look at products like DEI's Titanium exhaust wrap, they are rated to drop under the hood temperatures up to 50%, which is significant considering the amount of space we typically have to work with. On the performance end, header wraps are designed to keep the heat inside the header and by containing heat, it increases exhaust gas temperatures. This increase in temperature helps with exhaust scavenging effects which raises exhaust speeds and lowers intake temperatures.

This all sounds great! But, there is more to consider. You should always check with the individual manufacturer's warranty policy before wrapping your headers or exhaust. Most warranties become void once the headers have been wrapped. The reason being: these products are designed to hold the extreme engine temperatures inside the header. By doing this, the cool air cannot circulate around the header and when the pipes cool back down after running your engine it creates condensation inside the header. This can lead to corrosion build-up, rust, and wear the headers prematurely.

Whether you're looking for performance benefits or heat control if you decide to wrap your exhaust always check the recommended installation procedure from the manufacturer. For proper bonding, some wraps require you to coat the header before you install the wrap and some do not. As an alternative, if you're looking for longevity, you might consider simply having your headers ceramic coated. The same basic principles apply to ceramic coatings which are retaining heat on the inside and reflecting heat on the outside.

Products Featured in this Article

Related Articles

Speedway Tech Talk - Tru-Ram Exhaust Manifolds
by Tim Matthews - Posted in Videos
5/17/2016
Our Tru-Ram Exhaust Manifolds are one of our most popular items. Tim provides more details about them and gives you a great look at them.
Drag Racing Tire Guide: Slicks vs Radials vs Cheater
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
9/14/2023
Our guide will help you find the best drag tire for your application and needs
Battery Relocation to Trunk or Other Area of Your Vehicle
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
7/28/2023
There are several aspects of a properly relocated battery installation. Our guide will help you ensure that your relocation goes smoothly.
How To Choose the Best Piston Ring for Your Application
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
6/12/2023
There are a lot of piston ring material types to consider for your next engine build. Our buyer’s guide will help you choose the right ones.
6.0 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 500-1,000 HP
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
6/9/2023
Making great horsepower on a budget is the LS engine family’s claim to fame, but just like any other engine, the more power you ask of it the more you’ll need to spend.
How to Select the Correct Fuel Gauge and Sending Unit
by Outside Author - Posted in Tech
5/30/2023
Here are some handy tips for finding the right fuel level gauge and sending unit for your classic car or truck.
Automotive Jacks: What Is the Best Car Jack for Your Application
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
5/16/2023
There are a multitude of automotive jack choices to get the job done, but which jack is best (and safest!) for the job at hand? Read our buyer’s guide to find out.
Exhaust Clamps: What Clamp Is Best for Your Application
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
5/11/2023
Exhaust clamps are the perfect DIY solution to assembling your performance exhaust system at home, but what is the best clamp to use for your application. Find out in our buyer’s guide.
SBC Thick and Thin Oil Pan Gaskets - Which do I need?
by Jason Lubken - Posted in Tech
5/1/2023
How to pick the right small block Chevy oil pan gasket. We look at a 350 Chevy oil pan gasket and help you identify what thick or thin gasket you will need.
Independent Front Suspension System Upgrade Choices
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
4/28/2023
Upgrading to (or updating a poorly designed) independent front suspension, or IFS, will vastly improve your classic muscle car, hot rod, or pickup truck’s braking and handling
Error
X
Note
X
Ok