What Is an Exhaust Header Wrap? Pros, Cons, and FAQs

Exhaust headers are aftermarket upgrades that remove the back pressure produced in the manifold to maximize performance. Some car owners wrap these pipes with a protective fabric. While the wrap is not that visually pleasing and moisture and gunk can accumulate on it, it does offer benefits that make them with installing.

What Is an Exhaust Header Heat Wrap For?

An exhaust header wrap is used to retain the heat inside the exhaust pipes, which allows gases to flow easily and at a faster rate. This helps drivers by boosting the engine’s efficiency and performance.

The exhaust system needs to stay hot to increase its pressure levels. The higher the pressure, the higher the velocity of the gas. This lets drivers achieve maximum boost quickly, all while decreasing turbo spool time and minimizing turbo chatter.

Benefits of Exhaust Header Wraps

Here are the reasons why many vehicle owners invest in exhaust header wraps:

• Better heat retention in the exhaust pipes
• Heat damage protection for exhaust system parts
• Increased fuel efficiency thanks to optimal air density
• Reduced engine bay temperature
• Enhanced horsepower and torque

Disadvantages of Exhaust Header Wraps

Some drivers leave their exhaust headers unwrapped because of the following drawbacks:

• Unpleasant to look at and can affect the vehicle’s aesthetic
• Fiberglass wraps can be harmful to the eyes, lungs, and skin
• Can collect and be contaminated by oil, steam, and smoke
• Absorbs moisture when driving or left overnight, contributing to rust buildup

How to Install Exhaust Header Wraps

While it’s best to leave the installation of exhaust header wraps to professionals at auto shops, there’s no harm in learning the process.

The installation usually requires the following items:

• Roll of exhaust header wrap
• Steel tie or hose clamp
• Bucket of water

Before getting the started, mechanics wear safety gear, like a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask to keep dust off them. Once they’re ready, they usually take the following steps to wrap the exhaust headers.

Soak the Header Wrap

The roll of exhaust header wrap is submerged in a bucket full of water for a few seconds to make it easier to wrap around the exhaust pipe. Soaking the wrap also makes it more flexible, allowing for a tighter and more secure wrap.

Wrap the Header Tube

Now that the exhaust header wrap is more flexible, mechanics would begin the initial wrap around the exhaust pipe.

Once the initial wrap is snug in place, they’ll secure it with a steel tie or a hose clamp to prevent the wrap from skidding or coming loose. It’ll serve as the foundation for the rest of the wrap.

The mechanics would keep wrapping the header tube and tightening the wrap to make it more secure. They won’t wrap too many layers because making it too thick can prevent the heat from dissipating altogether, which would be bad for the pipes.

Secure the Ends

Once the header tube has been completely wrapped, the mechanics will secure the other end with a steel tie or a hose clamp to lock the exhaust header wrap in place.

The exhaust wraps can smoke when you drive after installation, but don’t worry. That’s a normal part of the curing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about exhaust header wraps.

What are exhaust header wraps made of?

Exhaust header wraps are typically made of fiberglass, but they can also be made of other materials, such as titanium, ceramic, basalt, and silica.

What is the best exhaust header wrap material?

Titanium is arguably the best exhaust header wrap. It’s the most expensive, but the excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability it offers make the price tag worth it.

How long do exhaust header wraps last?

Exhaust header wraps are designed to last several years. How long they can last depends on how well it was installed, your driving habits, and the state of your vehicle.

Are there viable alternatives to exhaust header wraps?

Ceramic coating is a good alternative to exhaust header wraps. This process involves coating the exhaust system with ceramic as a thermal barrier. This prevents excessive heat from leaking out of unwanted areas of the vehicle, improving exhaust flow.

How to Get Your Hands on Exhaust Components

If you’re looking for replacement parts for your vehicle’s exhaust system, CarParts.com is here to help.

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Check out our catalog today and take advantage of the best deals on exhaust system parts!