I was installing some hood dampers yesterday and noticed that my headers were really rusty. I bought this car used 2-3 months ago, and had about 35k miles (MY2008). Is this much rust normal? There is some minor rusting in other places, but nothing like this. FWIW it was from the SF/Bay Area...

 

Yes, completely normal.

 

Cool thanks - do you know why it does this or if there is any reason to polish it or whatnot?

 

I think it's due to the fact that the material is cast.

If you were to clean it, it would just come right back. The best solution would be to buy a stainless steel exhaust manifold. But that can be a lot of $$$.

 

I think it's due to the fact that the material is cast.

If you were to clean it, it would just come right back. The best solution would be to buy a stainless steel exhaust manifold. But that can be a lot of $$$.
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Thanks Fish22 - I'll look into it =) Might not be worth it though huh.

 

dont worry about the rust thought- it really does nothing except possibly protect the rest of your exhaust. Anything "hot" as an exhaust will oxidize.

 

I have rust on the same spot also, someone told me it may have been flooded.
My S also has rust on the VTEC solenoid. Would it this be from the same cause(casted material)?

 

Metal rusts. Who knew ?

Unless the part is made out of stainless steel it WILL oxidize. Living in environments with higher quantities of salty air such as on the coast will accelerate this process.

 

Rust on headers and vtec solenoid is normal. It will not affect performance or durability. If it bothers you that much buy a solenoid cover off ebay and an aftermarket header. I will agree that its ugly so some extra bling under the hood is always nice

 

i wouldnt even call that rust...that to me looks like a normal exhaust manifold