Wrap the headers?

**MnLS1** · 03-24-2008, 12:44 PM

Just got my QTP's, do you guys think I should use header wrap before the install? I dont really care about appearance(you can barely see em anyway) If so what type of wrap do you suggest?

**hoss 2000 z-28** · 03-24-2008, 12:58 PM

That's a good question.

Wrap could cut down on heatsoak pretty dramatically, its not something I've seen anybody to or talk about on here. I was considering wrap when I got my LT's but I decided against it to keep from adding weight and the idea that heatsoak would not be a problem once the car is moving. I'm not at the drags every week though, just my DD.

**BULLET_WS6** · 03-24-2008, 01:10 PM

if they are ceramic coated which i dont beleive those are... it will crack them... and possibly even those stainless steel ones may crack... it traps the heat inthe metal that is normally supposed to discipate through the air... and when it cools down it cools rapidly and the metal takes too much stress... wrap on headers usually deteriorates them a lot faster... i could be wrong on those but i know its that way on ceramic coated ones

**hoss 2000 z-28** · 03-24-2008, 01:26 PM

^I remember that now! I didn't wrap because my headers are stainless.

**rc74racer** · 03-24-2008, 01:29 PM

Don't wrap them it's a waste of time and money unless you are having serious issues with underhood temps, racing, turbos, etc... They trap oil and moisture which can lead to fires and corrosion. Oh and it looks like chit.

**nhraformula** · 03-24-2008, 02:40 PM

header wrap was a good idea 20 years ago.

**MnLS1** · 03-24-2008, 04:53 PM

thanks guys, looks like no wrap it is!

**0rion** · 03-24-2008, 05:15 PM

I know Sarge has his wrapped. May ask him and see if he's had any side effects. I do think it would keep the temps down a tad under the hood. I've always heard back in the old days that it would make headers rust faster but that was the days before stainless and coatings.

**TedsB4Csled** · 03-24-2008, 05:31 PM

If you do use header wrap use additional silicone high temp coating over the wrap. Mine are wrapped, I'll post any problems.

**UTVols98** · 03-24-2008, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by rc74racer

Don't wrap them it's a waste of time and money unless you are having serious issues with underhood temps, racing, turbos, etc... They trap oil and moisture which can lead to fires and corrosion. Oh and it looks like chit.

Yeah, don't wrap them if they are on a DD since they will corrode much faster than without. The only time you really would want to is if is strictly a track car.

**TedsB4Csled** · 03-24-2008, 08:05 PM

I guess I'll cut mine off. Anyone have any links to using header wrap? I'll google it now...

**TedsB4Csled** · 03-24-2008, 08:32 PM

After a google search of "problems with wrapping headers" I think I'll remove mine. Thought I had thoroughly researched that one. Results were mixed, some had no problems even w/DD, very few had them crack or oil fire because of oil leak, but there were some. Under hood temps were down, but no noticeable hp gains. Complaints of rusting too. Anyone run them? What about this legendary 'Sarge'?