Wrapping header

[LA_phantom_240]

So I'm going to be installing a DC 4-2-1 header on my s14 soon, and was wondering if I should wrap the header to help keep temps under the hood down? Any advantages or disadvantages? Any good brands to use?

[racepar1]

In my opinion unless you are having underhood heat problems it is a waste of time and money. With the KA I really see no reason to bother. Some people say that you gain horsepower, but from my experience it will never be enough to do anything.

[clark]

DEI makes arguably the best heat wrapping material. I think it's definitely functional and really isn't too costly or time consuming. i personally love the way it looks. i say do it.

This is kind of a ridiculous video, but you get the point.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=55U2ArzgZf4

make sure you pick these bad boys up if you choose to do it:

http://www.frsport.com/images/detailed_images/DEI_010201_3119809881847698982b34ba.jpg

they too are made by DEI

[90KAcoupe]

^^im sorry but 100% fiberglass is 100% fiberglass. as long as it the same thickness there will be no difference in brands. i got mine off ebay from a way cheaper source.. but yea its worth it... it looks good, keeps temps down, and makes it easier to work on right after you stop driving it.

[sillyvia13]

if engine bay is cooler..so will intake charge...since intake filter will draw in heat from header...cooling the engine bay is a plus anyway you can do it...
+1 for egay header wrap...1/4 the price of a speedshop...

[racepar1]

If you want cold air for the intake then get off your lazy ass, use your brain, and make an intake duct! It's really not that hard.

[s13drob]

If you want cold air for the intake then get off your lazy ass, use your brain, and make an intake duct! It's really not that hard.

+111111111111

but then again. y not? i would eat my motors poon if it would make it run/feel better.

[90KAcoupe]

or put ur air filter under the fender wells. I hate when people are like " hey look at my COLD AIR INTAKE" when their filter is in the engine bay sucking in HOT AIR!! but seriously header wrap is probably more of a luxuray then a performance thing. but it will definitly help performance to.

[Def]

I cover about 80% of my stock turbo manifold with DEI heat wrap, and that stuff is about done for after about 3k miles. It just can't take the heat.

You're probably fine on a KA header though. It's cheap, and made a huge difference on the heat in my engine bay while on the track. Just wish it wasn't falling apart now.

[KA24DESOneThree]

Do it to keep the heat off your MC and booster.

[racer98]

So I'm going to be installing a DC 4-2-1 header on my s14 soon, and was wondering if I should wrap the header to help keep temps under the hood down? Any advantages or disadvantages? Any good brands to use?

just sheild the areas where it needs to be coverd. do not fully cover the headers. also when you put the headder on make sure you get all new gaskets and lock bols.

[WagDatto]

I've been thinking about doing this ever since I got the 510 running. The engine bay is a bit smaller than you 240 guys, so everything gets toasty! Any issues wrapping some cheapo headers? I know a lot of people suggest not wrapping China turbo manifolds because they'll crack, is it the same for standard China KA headers?

[racer98]

I've been thinking about doing this ever since I got the 510 running. The engine bay is a bit smaller than you 240 guys, so everything gets toasty! Any issues wrapping some cheapo headers? I know a lot of people suggest not wrapping China turbo manifolds because they'll crack, is it the same for standard China KA headers?

Only problem is if you do a lot of track and canyon driving , the bolt like to loosen and manifold and outlets like to crack. best is to make some sheilds and re-enforcements..............

[projectRDM]

The DC Sports models should be better, but I've seen plenty of headers crack or fall apart after being wrapped. The condensation from the heat stays trapped against the pipes, basically turning it into a steam oven. I'd look into ceramic coating first.

[racepar1]

+1 for ceramic coating! However with our atlantic motors we never saw any kind of measurable performance gain with the ceramic coating. If you are going to get your headers coated make sure that they are coated on both the outside AND the inside, if not you are wasting money.

[racer98]

I've been thinking about doing this ever since I got the 510 running. The engine bay is a bit smaller than you 240 guys, so everything gets toasty! Any issues wrapping some cheapo headers? I know a lot of people suggest not wrapping China turbo manifolds because they'll crack, is it the same for standard China KA headers?

might want to try insulating the inside of the car and leave the headder un coverd, and just sheild the areas that are needed.

[DJ_Sunrise]

I had my headers wrapped for a year. Even in spirited driving, I could touch my SR's exhaust manifold and keep my hand on it for a second. EVERYTHING under the hood was crazy cool. But then I thought to myself.. I'd rather have shit hot under my hood than holes in my manifold. Took off the wrap.. lo and behold, my manifold started to orange up here and there. It's a cheap header, so I would say do it. I have a Tomei Expreme manifold. I would not want to replace it after several years just because I ran wrap.

Pros
Shit runs cooler, prolonged the life of things under the hood

Cons
Your header/exhaust manifold rots

-Bart