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Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 8:22 am
by rogerharrop
Hi

Has anyone ceramic coated their exhaust manifolds and was it worth it? I'm thinking particularly in relation to getting temperatures down rather than performnce.

Many thanks


Roger

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:28 am
by classiclife
Hello Roger,

In my experience with other classics, the ceramic process is expensive and not brilliant - it is one of those processes that is only as good as the person applying it; needless to say QC varies and if done poorly can chip easily defeating the purpose.

I have always used proper exhaust wrap which is very effective, reasonably priced and easy to apply; cosmetically it looks period as well.

As I said, just my insight.

Regards.

Richard.

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 2:55 pm
by timmartin
I had heard that ceramic coating of exhaust manifolds can be expensive and had wondered whether stove enamelling was a reasonable approach to avoiding the presence of two very rusty cast iron exhaust manifolds on an otherwise smart engine and car. I would be interested to hear any comments.

The exhaust wrap does seem a good way to go. I did like your photographs, Richard. I would be grateful for any suggestions regarding selection of appropriate materials and fasteners - and tips to save me from reinventing an already good wheel.

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:37 pm
by classiclife
Hello Tim,

Many thanks.

On my V8 saloon, I wire brushed the exhaust manifolds and then sprayed with Simoniz black VHT manifold paint - this was purely for cosmetic reasons and not heat shielding. The V8 saloon manifolds do not lend themselves to the wrap option, purely the design. See before and after photos.

The titanium wrap I used on the car in the photos was 2" wide (best width) and I purchased either a 10M or 20M length as it was a sweeping single 4-branch extractor manifold. The wrap is soaked in water, I used the bath, and then applied the material with each turn overlapping the previous turn by about 1/2". Once all the turns have been completed it is then a case of securing them with a stainless steel cable tie. As the material dries it contracts slightly forming a tight bond on the headers. Once dry the ties can be tightened again, if required, a tad more but to be honest there is seldom any tightening to do. You will be surprised how quickly 10M can be used up !!

Here is an eBay link to give you an idea of price and content - there are plenty of suppliers:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10M-Titanium ... 228f3638f1

I ordered the wrap with stainless steel ties included and then ordered some additional ties in reserve.

Have to say, it is a simple process and not at all difficult plus being very cost effective. There are some useful YouTube clips on the application.

I certainly noticed a heat drop after the wrapping had been applied.

If you want me to send you a sample of the wrap, please email me, I still have some left over.

Hope that assists ??

Best wishes.

Richard.

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 8:51 pm
by Bud
I had both done. First the ceramic coating ( usually applied to pistons, not the shiny powder coat type ) was applied on my stainless steel headers and little or no actual compartment heat reduction noted.
But my head and face were the sensing devices.
I then wrapped the manifolds/headers with similar tape as mentioned soaking and likewise applying and there then was significant heat reduction noticed, the eyebrows remained this time and the wax stayed on my stash.

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:10 pm
by classiclife
Bud wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2020 8:51 pm there then was significant heat reduction noticed, the eyebrows remained this time and the wax stayed on my stash.
Worth it just for that, Bud !! :D

Regards.

Richard.

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2020 2:14 pm
by JT7196
Hi, a friend of mine had the Exhaust Manifolds re- Stove Enamelled on his E-Type Jaguar as per original, they looked great for a while, the the inevitable happened , it all started to lift again, perhaps coating the Manifold with High Temp paint would be a much better option.
I have applied the above to to Manifold on my LA11 and it’s stayed perfect for many years !,

Cheers Al 😊😊

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 4:26 pm
by DR450USA
I have ceramic coated manifolds on most of my show cars. It is not a cheap process, and sometime I add to the cost by having the manifolds tumbled to provide a polish. My reasons for the ceramic coating is to remove the rust, and have it never return.

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2020 11:55 pm
by Dart
To ceramic coat it is advisable to have the manifolds tumbled or shot blast cleaned to get a good surface for the ceramic to key onto. If not, it will flake off sooner or later. Also they are not keen on doing it if the manifold has oil or carbon inside it - brand new is what they want so it doesn't contaminate their process. Done properly it is not cheap and when I did the SP 250 manifolds I saved about Β£250 by wrapping in heat proof tape as per Richard's example. I did however do a pre and post measurement with non-contact temperature gauge and although I can't remember the before and after underbonnet teperatures, I do recall the drop which was 30*C in the engine bay. So it is worthwhile, if only to get cooler air into your engine and a couple of more mpg or bhp.

John M

Re: Ceramic Coating Exhaust Manifolds

Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 2:51 am
by joewusa
I have had six of my car's exhaust manifolds ceramic coated and am about to have the manifolds on the SP250 I just acquired coated. It is worth it to me just from an appearance standpoint. I use Jet-Hot in North Carolina, US and they have always done a great job. I realize this won't be of much help to those of you in the UK, but hope it is of use to those over here.