wrapping headers/downpipe, painting?
 

going to wrap my headers and downpipe this weekend. when wrapping do you just do it one layer thick? or go over it a couple of times? More importantly what kind of paint should i use afterwards?

Thanks.

Using 2" stuff, I overlapped 1" each revolution (effectively giving 2 layers). I personally did not use any paint, I will put up with the initial smoke/smell!

Did you remove the turbo down pipe, or do it on the car?
Just trying to find time to do mine

Its easier to wrap the downpipe while it is off the car.....getting the downpipe off can be a bit of a pain so I did mine while it was still on the car which was straightforward.

Bob

Apart from heat soak what other advantages are there to doing this ? Does it matter if you don't do it.. would like to know has presently fitting header to mine. ta

You should wrap the headers, as the standard ones have the heatshield, and aftermarket ones don't (so a lot of heat will dissipate) Remember, the oil filter sits down near the headers!

You will also keep exhaust flow through the headers better if retaining heat inside the headers.

another tip is to wet the tape before applying.

1. because it will shrink slightly once dry and make a better fit.
2. because you get less glass fibre particles in your hands/arms/eyes/lungs. :D

LOL im getting a gas mask, some latex fisting gloves then before i attempt this.

no ones answered the paint querey though, is it not necessary?

:idea: I think i'll get the lads at the clinic to wrap mine for me :)

Some people spray it black, some don't.
I haven't bothered with mine, and if it ever gets soaking wet (very rare) it steams for a few seconds before becoming bone dry again so can't see the point/argument about using the paint to seal it from the elements.

Andy

I painted mine for the following reasons.

1. Stiffens the wrapping a little, so less chance of coming loose.
2. less steam when it gets wet.
3. Stops oil, brake fluid etc from soaking in, which would stink for days and was told can ruin the wrap and make it eventually fall to bits.

However I dont think its nessesary, but £6 for the paint, why not do it!

Andy