348 Headers, removing the heat shields?

Just doing major service on my 348 and noticed that the exhaust manifold head shields have cracked where they join the end on the pipe. I can have them re welded but it looks like this has been done before. This got me thinking can i remove the whole shield and have the manifold “ceramic coated”

Has anyone done this or know of any one running there car like this???

 

Cut the heat shields off and ceramic coat the headers mate.

 

Thats what i want to do Pap but not sure on

A: what they look like ? and

B: if they will raise the under hood temp ???

 

A-I think someone here on Fchat had theirs done and they looked great! Really good actually!!

I forget who, it may have been a few people actually. 348's or 355's, I cant remember now.

B-Apparently ceramic coating headers lower under bonnet temps. I have never had any headers coated myself, but my brother had his headers ceramic coated on his V8 Holden Statesman 5 years ago. He tested the bonnet before and after with a laser 'heat gun' and found the bonnet temp was around 20 celcius cooler after the headers were done. Both tests done with engine at operating temp after a 30 min drive around town.

 

I just did that on my 328- good thing we did, had a crack hiding under the original shielding... I realize different than the 348 but here is a before & after of the 328 manifolds...
Will give you a idea of the dramatic difference in appearance...
Chris
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Very nice Chris!!

Have you fitted them to the car yet?? If so, did you notice any temp difference?

 

Thanks pap! Still at the shop- I believe should be as you said- no worries... I had the starter heat wrapped for the heck of it-
Here is another couple shots... I think I have read on the 355 they wrap or shield the alternator. Mine seemed out of the way, unsure on the 348 what may be near, sold my 348 last year cant remember what was close to manifolds..
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...about a quarter way down the page: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183682&page=4

 

Nice work mate, looks like they are doing a great job there!!

 

Chris:

Those look great, can you help with who did the work. I may want to have them coat mine. That really dresses up the engine compartment of your 328.

 

Has anyone removed the heat shields in there cars? Also, is there an after market header avalible for the 348?