Aftermarket Headers Heat Issues Consensus?

Are they ceramic coated? My understanding that without heat shielding of some kind you would be hosed, with the possible exception of ceramic coating.

 

Either put sheilding around them or have them coated inside and out. I have factory headers without shielding but ceramic coated. I insulated my alt. and brake lines that are below the headers. I have had no problems in 10,000 miles but I also have no heat traps in my exhaust system ie; bypass valve, cats or muffler. IMO You should be fine if you have them coated properly.Also the tubes look great without shielding. Regards, Vern

 

They may look great and they may be ceramic coated but from the people I have talked to you will run into problems sooner or later. The Tubi headers are the best and OEM second because the are shielded. But Tubi are by far the best choice.

 

Are the Tubi headers coated?

 

I had the original set in my car, and put over 5000 miles on them, including over one LA summer, and used the car as a daily driver for much of that time. So, 100+ degree days, sitting virtually still for sometimes hours on the 405.... I had them wrapped with heat tape, and had no problems whatsoever. Of course, YMMV.

Out of interest, why are the tubi headers the best?

 

I think you will need to do something to take care of the heat, either ceramic coating or heat shields. I have heard of people fabricating their own shields, but I have never seen pictures. Realizing that it would be a PITA to remove the headers and have them coated, the heat tape may be the way to go for now. I have seen that done recently... trying to remember the thread.

 

Here it is:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156399

That would be the simple way to go, and then get them coated at the next engine out. Good luck!

 

Nope, ss with heat sheilds.

 

Ceramic coating or wrapping will help hold the head inside the pipe and keep it out of the engine compartment. Heat shields dissipate heat over a larger area where it does less damage. There are applications in which coating or wrapping add a couple of hp due to the more efficient exhaust flow.

 

I went with the wrap. I have heard good and bad from both coated and wrap. I bought a second pair of manifolds and will have them coated later. i will try these and see how they run...

Last picture is the crack we found in the stock manifolds.


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QV in London rebuilds the stock items, with thicker material. I put a set in and they lasted over 20k on my 355. About 25% of the original headers, and better.

Art

 

Wrap them or cook your electrics!

 

I think you would be wise to go witih something more than the ceramic coating. Ceramic coating is better than nothing but not close to the factory heat shields.

Lots of expensive parts near the headers that are heat sensitive. Don't risk it.

ken

 

How about..... Coating then wrapping them? Thoughts?

 

That's what I did!

 

Check the specifics of the coating. Some you can and some you cant.

 

Does anyone have the approximate cost of a set of 355 Tubi headers?

Dino
San Diego

 

Last I heard, around $5300. for the "street version" with the heat shields. But, they are not street legal (EPA approved) in North America, and are difficult to obtain from the usual sources.