Hmm why not just wrap the stock header? I might wrap mine especially since it'll be covered by the oem heatsheild.

Might not be a bad way to get the temps down. And who gives a rats ass if the oem header goes to shit after 20k miles since they are dime a dozed used.

 

lol, ceramic helps keep the outside looking new? How so? It's a coating.

all coatings I've gotten have faded/not looked so good after a few good heat cycles.

Again, the "trapping moisture" thing is bogus. Think about the temperatures underneath that wrap and then tell me with a straight face that any moisture remains there!

 

Coating on the outside keeps the finish nice, but you knew that right? And look at the decent aftermarket headers and find me one that will specifically warranty with wrapping?

 

The Summary:

Cost:
Wrap: $
Coated: $$$

Temperature:
Wrap: $$$$
Coated: $$$

Looks:
Wrap: $
Coated: $$$$

Durability:
Wrap: $$
Coated: $$$

 

It really depends on the coatings. There are two general classes of ceramic coatings out there.

1. Thermal barrier coatings - these actually reduce heat and are usually sprayed twice & baked twice. Much thicker than your typical pigment only ceramic coating. Greatly increased corrosion resistance, very good thermal insulating properties. Our headers are given a TBC treatment inside and out.

2. Pigment ceramic coatings - these are very thin coatings that can withstand high temps, but don't hold heat in. Greatly increased corrosion resistance, little to no thermal insulation.

I agree with you guys that the header wrap does keep more heat in, but it will destroy your wrapped part (header, downpipes, etc). No manufacturer would warranty a header that has been wrapped.

HTH,
Bryan