Paint Headers?

[punk2m1d]

Has anyone painted their headers? I'm still unsure about aftermarket headers. If I choose not to go that route, then I'd like to paint my stock headers. I'm guessing that the high heat rattle can stuff would surfice. Sanding the headers won't ruin them unless I get way too into it and sand a hole it, right?

Or is this just a stupid idea to begin with?

[navylife59]

No it is not a stupid idea. If you don't/can't remove your OEM header due to emission standards in your area or just don't want your smooth sounding axle-back to get all farty on you, dressing up you OEM header is a good step. You will not actually paint it but have it coated. There is a high-temp powdercoat from Eastwood but I cannot atest for it's longevity. The header has to be media blasted to smooth, virgin metal then "roughed". Preparation is key here. Of course, you will need the powder coating equipment. I suggest having it ceramic coated. These are the 3 main companies in this field;
performance
JETHOT The Hottest Header Coatings! Jet-Hot, jet coat, hot jet, headers, coatings, sterling,Header coating, Ceramic coating, corrosion protection, Metallic Ceramic Coatings, MCCI, metallic ceramic, exhaust coating, performance coating, temperature re
Swain Tech Coatings for engine piston coatings, race engine coatings, ceramic header coating, carbide metal coatings, thermal spray plasma coating, metalizing closures, spray welding

Ceramic coating is darn near permanent, looks awesome, traps heat which lowers underhood temps and promotes exhaust scavenging. With that said you could loose those fugly heat shields. Some people had their heat shields chromed. I would suggest loosing the upper heat shield and if you must keep the lower (cat) heat shield, have it electroless nickel plated. Also suggest if you do this route, that you remove and deburr the mounting flanges for the heat shield(s) to give it a smoother look.

[punk2m1d]

I've already taken the main heat shield off, and the minor one as well. I still have the shield around the neck of where the headers meet the down pipe. I will research the Eugene area and try to find a powdercoat company that will do the cermaics on my headers.

[navylife59]

Powder coating and ceramic coating are similar processes but require different techniques/equipment. Powder coating companies won't have this. You will just have to ship yours out to one of the 3 companies I listed. Turn around is usually rather quick.

[punk2m1d]

Hmmm. If I send my headers out, can I still drive the car?

Kidding.

[navylife59]

Believe it or not but I have seen old carbureted jalopies running with no exhaust manifold. Yep, straight to the atmosphere. Easiest way to burn valves.

[illest_tC]

how do you take the heat shield off?
idk if im just stupid or what....
what is the cable that runs in through the heat shield?

[navylife59]

Cable is uber importante. That is the Bank1Sensor1 wideband A/FR sensor.
Removing the heatshield by simply unbolting it.

[illest_tC]

how do i get a wrench in there? i havent tried but it just looks like a tight fit?

[punk2m1d]

Small hands. Get a girl to do it. OOoooooor, bust your fists in there and go back inside your home with some bloody knuckles and a heat shield in your hand.

[illest_tC]

haha ok. ill get on that then thanks

[navylife59]

Use only a 22mm O2 sensor socket. Anything else will damage the flats or break wires on the sensor.

[illest_tC]

ok. thanks

[navylife59]

Sorry that it seems like it takes a week for me to answer you. Busy doing work for Uncle Sam.

[illest_tC]

haha. thats ok man. i havent had time to do anything with my tC lately. its we got ice all over the roads so i got my camaro running and now im driving that while the tc is stored for the winter

[navylife59]

Glad that I live down South. I would hate to not be able to drive my tC for so long.

[illest_tC]

haha yeah. its ok though. i love driving my camaro.
its like my camaro is my beastly car. you can just feel the power when you drive it. other than all the electronic stuff in my tC. i love em both though.