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.
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.
Here are the reasons why many vehicle owners invest in exhaust header wraps:
Some drivers leave their exhaust headers unwrapped because of the following drawbacks:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about exhaust header wraps.
Exhaust header wraps are typically made of fiberglass, but they can also be made of other materials, such as titanium, ceramic, basalt, and silica.
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.
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.
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.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.