Are Ceramic Coated Headers Just for Looks?

[01mgvert]

Someone posted that ceramic coating on headers was just for looks. But I thought that they did more. For example, the last longer (rust-free) and reduce heat in the engine compartment. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[GreekStang85]

it prevents rusting and cracking

 

[LouisianaZJ]

I was under the impression they provided the same benefits that header wrap provides (keeping exhaust gasses as hot a possible) and also prevented rusting on the exterior.

 

[stallion98gt]

rust and craking as he said

 

[85GTlover]

I was under the impression they provided the same benefits that header wrap provides (keeping exhaust gasses as hot a possible) and also prevented rusting on the exterior.

I would agree with this over others(no offense others) but if only for rust and cracking they are far overpriced as a good high heat paint should not crack and prevent rust. I was reading at a racing site that used normal headers with heat tape, then they offer high heat paint to cover the tape.
The above theory just seems more sensible to me due to the much higher prices. We all have opinions. Good chrome headers should not crack or chip(yes some do) but are much cheaper, just reason I think it helps with heat too. Hotter air flows through the headers better.

 

[LouisianaZJ]

"The coating is a thermal barrier, thus keeping heat within the manifold or header. There are a number of benefits for this. First, by keeping heat within the manifold, you're going to accelerate the exhaust gas velocity which reduces back pressure and reduces fuel contamination due to reversion. This is a performance benefit. Second, you'll reduce the surface temperature of the manifold. This means if a person comes in contact with it, they are less likely to be burned and leave skin behind. If there is a component close to it, it will not see as much heat as it would with an uncoated manifold. In addition, not as much heat will be radiated under the hood or into the engine compartment. This reduces the underhood temperature which, again, reduces the temperature of surrounding parts, such as, alternators and starters. It also reduces the amount of heat that can be drawn in through the carburator, which is a secondary performance benefit. There are a variety of coatings that can be used on exhaust manifolds or headers."

http://www.engineceramics.com/coating_exhaust.htm

 

[85GTlover]

"The coating is a thermal barrier, thus keeping heat within the manifold or header. There are a number of benefits for this. First, by keeping heat within the manifold, you're going to accelerate the exhaust gas velocity which reduces back pressure and reduces fuel contamination due to reversion. This is a performance benefit. Second, you'll reduce the surface temperature of the manifold. This means if a person comes in contact with it, they are less likely to be burned and leave skin behind. If there is a component close to it, it will not see as much heat as it would with an uncoated manifold. In addition, not as much heat will be radiated under the hood or into the engine compartment. This reduces the underhood temperature which, again, reduces the temperature of surrounding parts, such as, alternators and starters. It also reduces the amount of heat that can be drawn in through the carburator, which is a secondary performance benefit. There are a variety of coatings that can be used on exhaust manifolds or headers."

http://www.engineceramics.com/coating_exhaust.htm

Yeah that's what I meant to say.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

wow.. and I thought i just spent $30 more bucks just to get it not to rust for a while.. thanks for the info