Answer this while I go have dinner and a beer.
Coating headers: worth it?
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DV65CustomCab
- Posts: 1497
- Joined: July 18, 2006, 4:23 pm
- Location: Elizabethtown, PA
Coating headers: worth it?
I have a set of Hooker headers for my truck that I would like to install. (Yes, I know all about the starter getting roasted). They are new in the box, but just painted black. I'm not interested in them looking sexy so much as I want them to last a good long time. My truck sits in the garage, and gets used too infrequently (maybe two dozen times a year. Sad, yes.). Do you guys figure they will last years untreated, or do I have them coated? Is it cheaper to buy two sets of headers in the probable lifespan I will keep this truck or do it once and done? Or will coating not really increase longevity?
Answer this while I go have dinner and a beer.
Answer this while I go have dinner and a beer.
Stop The Longbed Hate! 
'65 F100 Custom Cab bought 2002/Sold 2014
Now: '93 F150 Lightning
'65 F100 Custom Cab bought 2002/Sold 2014
Now: '93 F150 Lightning
Re: Coating headers: worth it?
The proper coating will increase the lifespan.
But best of all the proper ceramic coating will likely drop the heat. Which also theoretically could increase the lifespan. FYI, I ordered my headers coated for my Bird not the truck, and they don't usually stay shiney like new, but still better than rusted steel.
But best of all the proper ceramic coating will likely drop the heat. Which also theoretically could increase the lifespan. FYI, I ordered my headers coated for my Bird not the truck, and they don't usually stay shiney like new, but still better than rusted steel.
Re: Coating headers: worth it?
Hope dinner was enjoyable!
It's not just a matter of price to me; I want to avoid removing/ replacing them for many years. This usually translates to thicker/ better made flanges, coating and quality hardware. All of which, of course, is expensive
A good starter insulating wrap, and cable wrap, is worth the cost IMO.
Paul
It's not just a matter of price to me; I want to avoid removing/ replacing them for many years. This usually translates to thicker/ better made flanges, coating and quality hardware. All of which, of course, is expensive
A good starter insulating wrap, and cable wrap, is worth the cost IMO.Paul
The Ford Orphanage
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Re: Coating headers: worth it?
I had a set of JBA shorty headers ceramic silver coated by Jet-Hot over 10 years ago and they are still a nice even semi gloss silver. I used Grade 8 stainless steel fasteners and soft copper gaskets on the 351W V-8 and have never had a problem. Installed in a 69 Ford Bronco so installation was tight and I just wanted to do it once and it has turned out to be well worth the effort and cost. I drive the truck once or twice a week so I hasn't had a bunch of mileage but it has been trouble free. Worked out well for me and I have a similar setup ready install in my 66 F-100. The headers dump into a single 3 inch exhaust pipe and dyno-max muffler and I have never had any starter heat problems. Jet-Hot advertises their process coating inside and out makes the header move the heat out of the engine compartment and down the exhaust pipes and that seems to be the case in practice.