Ceramic Coating Header and Exhaust

[rider]

What do you guys think about ceramic coating the Header and Exhaust (by Jet-Hot)? Objective is to reduce the heat. Will it help? Any long term negative effects?

If it's good to do, thoughts on the color? Here are the possible color options:

 

 

 

I'm thinking 'Red Copper', as opposed to boring 'Satin Black' or 'Flat Black'. But, will 'Red Copper' clash with Exocet Red exterior? Or, 'White'? It'll match the Rollcage. 

 

 

Thanks.  

[panamericano]

I vote for white, iff it will stay that way.

[Reiver]

I'd go with a dark color and probably black considering the black accents on your 7.

[Razomatic]

I did a JetHot on my headers, collector, and muffler. I have not used it long enough to give you a perspective on longevity, but one observation is that it's a more fragile finish than I expected. Be very careful because you can scrape and scratch it if you're not careful. That might impact your color choice.

Consider the higher temp coating. I hear it's more durable (and more expensive).

If you're applying this coating to a used system, you'll want to spend lots of time on prepping the parts. Jet-Hot does not do that for you. If you have surface rust and want a clean finish, spend the effort to clean it up because although it covers the rust, it doesn't smooth it. The finish is thinner than I expected.

I don't know if the underbonnet temps have really improved, but the finish looks very good and there is zero rust or discoloration.

[Razomatic]

Photo 1 shows you what I started with.

Photo 2 shows you the prep work removing all the surface rust.

Photo 3 is the result from Jet-Hot.

[KnifeySpoony]

White or black. Anything else is naff.

[3-Pedals]

A few thoughts:

 

I have Jet-Hot coated several exhaust systems and been satisfied with the results.   Jet-Hot can coat both the inside and the outside of the headers and exhaust which I typically do.  On one car, I measured the surface temps of the headers about 6" from the cylinder heads before and after and noted a reduction of 75F in the surface temp.  Also, I have not had any issues with wear and found the coating to be durable.  My vintage 911 system is 18 years old and still looks great despite over 65 autox events and a few track days.  Another system is just over 10 years old  and even the exposed side pipes still look almost new.  The silver Jet-Hot coating on my 26 year old 7 still looks great.

 

In the engine compartment, it is also a good idea to wrap the headers with a good heat insulation (I use the titanium heat wrap from DEI) as that can lower the surface temps another 100F-120F.  

[williamwashere]

I’m doing a build in Houston later this year, and I hadn’t thought of coating the headers instead of insulating them. My primary concern is the Houston heat, has anyone living in a hot climate noticed a difference between coated vs not coated?

 

Also, on color, it’s white or black. Everything else would just look like they couldn’t match your paint IMHO.

[rider]

 

Thanks everyone; appreciate the suggestions/comments.

 

11 hours ago, panamericano said:

I vote for white, iff it will stay that way.

 

I wanted to check on any degradation of color. I called them a couple of times; no one picked up. But, Razomatic and 3-Pedals suggest it is durable. 

 

 

10 hours ago, Reiver said:

I'd go with a dark color and probably black considering the black accents on your 7.

 

I usually don't prefer black for the following reasons:

- Generally not a fan since I prefer a "color". 

- Black simply "hides" the details. Seven's exposed side-exhaust is a unique feature. I would like it to be displayed prominently! With Rollerbarrell, the aural treatment will increase the visual presentation! 

- White will match the Rollcage and the "7" Radiator logo. 

 

 

9 hours ago, Razomatic said:

........ it's a more fragile finish than I expected. Be very careful because you can scrape and scratch it if you're not careful. That might impact your color choice.

Consider the higher temp coating. I hear it's more durable (and more expensive).

If you're applying this coating to a used system, ...........

 

Based on your suggestion, I looked up their 2K Series coating, their high performance version. Decided to go with it. This is for a new build; so, the coating should stick well. 

 

 

6 hours ago, KnifeySpoony said:

White or black. Anything else is naff.

 

 

6 hours ago, 3-Pedals said:

...........On one car, I measured the surface temps of the headers about 6" from the cylinder heads before and after and noted a reduction of 75F in the surface temp.  Also, I have not had any issues with wear and found the coating to be durable.  ............

 

In the engine compartment, it is also a good idea to wrap the headers with a good heat insulation (I use the titanium heat wrap from DEI) as that can lower the surface temps another 100F-120F.  

 

That's a significant reduction. I'm going with their 2K Series version. They claim about 65% drop in temp. Even at half their claim, the drop will be pretty significant. As for the wrap, heard about trapping moisture and stuff and corroding the material. What's your experience? 

 

 

9 minutes ago, williamwashere said:

........

Also, on color, it’s white or black. Everything else would just look like they couldn’t match your paint IMHO.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming build. Take a look at their 2K Series option which is my choice. Looks to drop significantly. I also optioned side-panels in CF, to help with temp, especially on the passenger-side.

 

 

Thanks again everyone. I've decided go with 'White'. Will match the Rollcage and the Radiator logo "7". 

 

 

 

 

 

[3-Pedals]

I wrapped the Jet-Hot coated headers on my Lister over 10 years ago.  No problem with moisture retention with the titanium wrap as it does not absorb water.  Also, with a surface temp of just over 600F, water does not stay in the wrap for very long!

 

Here is a shot of the headers with the wrap after 10+ years of use:

 

[williamwashere]

25 minutes ago, 3-Pedals said:

I wrapped the Jet-Hot coated headers on my Lister over 10 years ago.  No problem with moisture retention with the titanium wrap as it does not absorb water.  Also, with a surface temp of just over 600F, water does not stay in the wrap for very long!

 

Here is a shot of the headers with the wrap after 10+ years of use:

 

Wow, I can’t believe you’ve kept a 10 year old engine that clean!! Looks amazing.

[wdb]

Diverting slightly from the main topic -- I was reading up on the titanium wrap and it says that it loses its flexibility after heat cycling. Has anyone ever tried removing the material? It sounds like it might be a tad messy or difficult.

[3-Pedals]

I had to remove it from the collectors to pull the side pipes and it came right off.  I re-used it and re-wrapped the collectors with the same material.  Didn't seem to be an issue, at least in my experience.

[3-Pedals]

9 hours ago, williamwashere said:

Wow, I can’t believe you’ve kept a 10 year old engine that clean!! Looks amazing.

LOL.  Thanks!  It's pretty easy to keep clean and it is typically a nice day driver as it has no top.  Been in the rain 4 or 5 times and it sucks big time.  Engine compartment is pretty easy to work on with how I did the "bonnet" hinges:

 

 

[Anthem]

Had mine coated last year. 

Very happy with Jet-Hot, they did it within 1.5wk even though they warned me it was a very busy time for their NC shop due to NASCAR teams getting their pre-season coatings done. I went with biggest heat reduction the Classic Polish.

 

Here's part of initial email I received, hope this helps:

 

Thank you for contacting Jet-Hot. I need to know a few things to make sure we are putting you in the correct coating and then I can get that quote together. First, what kind of project are you working on? Is the car/truck naturally aspirated? or are you running a supercharger/turbo?

 

If Naturally Aspirated we would recommend our Extreme 1300, there are two finishes and several colors available. Classic Polish (our chrome look-alike) is the one that everyone knows us by, it is our biggest seller and has the biggest heat reduction of up to 56-65%. Satin Silver is a little less in heat reduction, around 40%  and it has more of a sheen silver finish.  We would just need to know what size your header/s is/are? 

                       Single Under 21"           Single 21-50"        Shorty Up to 21"         Mid 21-30”  

                        Long 30-50"                       Fenderwell/Boat 50+                               3+PC    

If you opt for a color topcoat, we have several colors available here for an upcharge: https://www.jet-hot.com/colors. Colors are used for aesthetics/corrosion and do not give much if any heat reduction.

 

If your engine is Turbo/Supercharged we recommend running our 2K series. This is a flame-applied coating and while withstanding your exhaust gas temps will also act as a thermal barrier, keeping the heat in your exhaust while also preventing corrosion.  

 

The 2000 series is the most durable coating we offer. The 2k does have a texture to it like 80 grit sandpaper and will require a color top coat as it does not come in our Classic Polish "chrome lookalike". The closest one we have that is a "brighter silver" would be our Satin Silver, with this particular color topcoat you will not only get the surface temperature drop but also a radiant heat drop because of its shinyness.  If you opt to go with another color topcoat you will definilty see a surface temp drop, our Titanium and Satin black tend to be our top sellers. (Pics attached for your review)

Ceramic Header & Car Part Coating in Custom Colors | Jet-Hot — Jet-Hot 

 

Our NC facility is taking orders for ONLY 1300 Series. Our OK facility is running ALL 1300,2000,2500.

Please ship to the facility that your salesperson put on your quote. Please get in touch with your salesperson if you are unsure where to ship.   

 

As far as turnaround time: Both facilities are running about 3-4 weeks (BC of the Holiday Break)

I've attached photos for your review. Remember, all of our coatings come with our Lifetime Warranty. 

 

Please measure your header from where it connects to the car all the way along the longest tube to the bottom of the collector. 

 

If you are running "Lakes Style Headers" Please read this article, we do not recommend Classic Polish. Sanderson Limefire Header Tech : Century Performance Center, Inc. (freshdesk.com)

 

 

I attached mine before and after, picture of post coating has about 450mi on them. 

Edited January 27 by Anthem
"NASARC" spelling

[IamScotticus]

Look at Swain Tech, If you must do this.

Swain Tech Coatings | Industrial Coatings | High Performance Racing Coatings – Technical coatings to solve problems of heat, wear, corrosion, and friction

 

I am more inclined to preserve what you have as new, as well and for as long as possible, and only re-coat when/if the original finish has deteriorated.

This is why I'm overjoyed to own a used 7.

I am more inclined to only do what can be undone later.  I don't know if a rattle can of VHT can be cleaned off later, but when you CHANGE YOUR MIND, which you will do at some point, or sell the 7 and realize your colour is hurting your re-sell, you will be wishing you could turn back the clock after new toy syndrome is over.

 

I have always read that coating the pipes will shorten the life.  I don't know what the basis is for this, but its enough warning for me avoid doing it.

I can always polish out scratches on bare metal.  chip a ceramic coating a few times and it looks beat up.  rattle can it and you can touch up and blend in.

Edited January 27 by IamScotticus

[JohnCh]

7 hours ago, 3-Pedals said:

LOL.  Thanks!  It's pretty easy to keep clean and it is typically a nice day driver as it has no top.  Been in the rain 4 or 5 times and it sucks big time.  Engine compartment is pretty easy to work on with how I did the "bonnet" hinges

 

@3-Pedals, I'm sure many here are interested in learning more about the car and seeing additional photos. Perhaps add on to this thread?  

 

[3-Pedals]

Thanks for the suggestion John.  Just posted a little info on the car in that section!

[rider]

23 hours ago, 3-Pedals said:

I wrapped the Jet-Hot coated headers on my Lister over 10 years ago.  No problem with moisture retention with the titanium wrap as it does not absorb water.  Also, with a surface temp of just over 600F, water does not stay in the wrap for very long!

 

Here is a shot of the headers with the wrap after 10+ years of use:

 

 

 

Wow, that's a clean Engine Bay indeed! I'll strive to match that.....   

 

The Titanium Wrap sounds intriguing. Reducing radiant heat is a big plus. I've read conflicting reports on wrapping. Will dig more into it. 

 

 

10 hours ago, Anthem said:

Had mine coated last year. 

Very happy with Jet-Hot, they did it within 1.5wk even though they warned me it was a very busy time for their NC shop due to NASCAR teams getting their pre-season coatings done. I went with biggest heat reduction the Classic Polish.

 

...........

 

 

Thanks Anthem; appreciate the details. 

 

I talked to Jet-Hot. They steered me to 1300 Series and Classic Polish finish as well. Their site suggests 2K Series is their highest performing and most durable option though. I need to talk to them again tomorrow to get it clarified.

 

 

9 hours ago, IamScotticus said:

Look at Swain Tech, If you must do this.

Swain Tech Coatings | Industrial Coatings | High Performance Racing Coatings – Technical coatings to solve problems of heat, wear, corrosion, and friction

 

I am more inclined to preserve what you have as new, as well and for as long as possible, and only re-coat when/if the original finish has deteriorated.

............. realize your colour is hurting your re-sell, you will be wishing you could turn back the clock after new toy syndrome is over.

 

I have always read that coating the pipes will shorten the life. .......

 

Thanks Scott. Is Swain Tech better than Jet-Hot? Haven't heard much about Swain.

 

I hear you about the finish color. Well, I'm going with Classic Polish finish as recommended by Jet-Hot. So, the finish will look same as stock! 

 

I did some quick check whether coating will shorten the life. Didn't find any material to support it. In fact, the consensus I found was to the contrary; increasing the life by reducing the impact from heat. If you came across any supporting material, please share.

 

 

Thank you gentlemen. 

 

 

 

 

[rider]

Quick update:

The dealer talked to Jet-Hot. He was told, for 420 with Rollerbarrell, we'll need 2K Series, due to increased thermal levels. The 'White' finish is likely to be stained. 

So, going with 2K Series and Satin Silver finish. It will match the wheels though.....