What header coating won't rust?

[Dtowncats]

I have heard that ceramic headers won't rust unless they get scratched. I have found a good deal on some BBK ceramic ones(new) but it is almost impossible to not scratch headers while trying to install them. How good do the FRP stainless headers hold up?

 

[89MustangGX]

Well, any coating that you scratch deep enough to get to metal will rust.

JetHot coating (as used on FRPP Headers) is pretty tough stuff -- they basically set the standard. I have heard stories of other coating flaking off eventually, however JetHot has a lifetime warranty against that (among other things).

 

[Shakerhood]

My Ford Racing Headers have small rust pit marks in them.

 

[LoudToy958]

I got my long tubes in without scratching them. I just wrapped them up really good in bubble wrap during the install. I only left the flange clear of bubble wrap. I got the bolted up, and tore off the stuff. Not a scratch on them. Had to take my time, and pay attention, but it is nice to have the extra padding to make life easier.

Just a tip someone passed on to me.....

 

[89MustangGX]

My Ford Racing Headers have small rust pit marks in them.

If they're JetHot coated, send them back to JetHot -- they will recoat them.

 

[mustangjoe87]

my bbk lontubes have surface rust, do you know if they have a warrenty like that? they have like 5 miles on them, so it kinda pisses me off

 

[Shakerhood]

If they're JetHot coated, send them back to JetHot -- they will recoat them.

I believe all Ford Racing Ceramic coated are Jet Hot. I sent pictures to Steeda where I purchased them and they passed them onto Ford which said there was nothing they could do about all the rusty pit marks!

 

[blackstangt]

Header paint worked on my flowtech longtube headers. 1500 deg primer, 2000 deg header paint. The 1500 may have been enough, but i wanted to be safe and get a good finish.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

Also,if you want to preserve the original finish,try using Ultra High Temp Clear coating.I started using this clear paint on steel exhaust clamps.Yeah,I know clamps look kinda ugly but I don't have a welding kit and also don't want to have to pay a shop to weld them.I was tired of clamps rusting so bad you couldn't even turn the nuts.And this was only a month after they were installed.3 coats of high temp clear and 6 months later,still looks like the clamp just came right out of the box.

Try this on your headers.Just a thought....

 

[Dtowncats]

So there really is no unrustable headers besides jet-hot. I don't want to spend 300 on frpp ceramic headers but they do have a lifetime warranty. What would be a better buy, BBK ceramic, FRPP stainless, or FRPP ceramic?

 

[04sleeper]

So there really is no unrustable headers besides jet-hot. I don't want to spend 300 on frpp ceramic headers but they do have a lifetime warranty. What would be a better buy, BBK ceramic, FRPP stainless, or FRPP ceramic?

Go with the FRPP "Jet Hot" ceramics. Pay the $300. It is more than worth it as it will cost you more than $200 for just the Jet Hot if you sent them a set of shorties.
You will thank yourself later.
Here is a picture of a set I put on a friends car more than 2 years ago and they look just as good now.
View attachment 516873

 

[Killer50stang]

I have heard that ceramic headers won't rust unless they get scratched. I have found a good deal on some BBK ceramic ones(new) but it is almost impossible to not scratch headers while trying to install them. How good do the FRP stainless headers hold up?

Not true. Any header is going to get some kind of rust. I have NEW ceramic headers on mine and usually after the car has been stored over the winter, I have to clean the surface rust off. Nothing is rush proof.

 

[mustangjoe87]

Not true. Any header is going to get some kind of rust. I have NEW ceramic headers on mine and usually after the car has been stored over the winter, I have to clean the surface rust off. Nothing is rush proof.

how do you clean it off without ruining the ceramic?

 

[Notchbck93]

ya, sitting in the garage sucks!! Have to get the automotive bubble to keep the moisture out. In IL, I have a stainless header on my daily driver and it even rusts-- talk about suck.

My stang has the ceramic coated longtubes bbk.. they have rust, and it sits locked in the garage 95% of the year other 5% is when it is actually on the road.

 

[TheUser]

In IL, I have a stainless header on my daily driver and it even rusts-- talk about suck.

how does stainless rust?

 

[cevtv]

If they're JetHot coated, send them back to JetHot -- they will recoat them.

Nope. The JetHot lifetime warranty only covers rust THROUGH, NOT surafce rust/discoloring.

 

[cevtv]

how does stainless rust?

Stainless is not "rust proof". It WILL surface rust. Look at some factory headers........they look like crap, and they are stainless............

 

[89MustangGX]

I'd have to go back and look for my paperwork, but I believe the warantee covers the finish as well.

I looked on the JetHot website, and couldnt find specifics, but I did find this regarding rust protection:

some producers of “high-tech” coatings actually promote 1,000 hour survival in this salt-spray test as a benefit. In startling contrast, JET-HOT Sterling™ withstands the same salt attack for over 5,000 hours. The testers called it quits before Sterling caved in.

 

[Killer50stang]

how do you clean it off without ruining the ceramic?

I use wool chrome polish. usually does the job.

 

[twolo4u2c2]

wow!!!..I have FMS ceramic for 2 years and no rust anywere. Still look new. I got about 15k on them. The car is garage kept here in PA.