Headers-Thermocoat Performance Pros/Cons

[sailsmen]

The research I have done results in 2 schools of thought.

Thermocoat to reduce underhood temps and produce more HP.

Don't thermocoat to let the heat out of the engine to produce more HP.

Wrap underhood components that are subjected to additional heat as a result of headers.

As respects performance anyone have experience w/ Thermocoat vs non-thermocoat headers?

[finster101]

Thermacoat, Jet-hot, and the ever hideous header wrap are all designed to keep the heat in the header tube by providing a thermal barrier. If the heat stays in the header you get lower under hood temps. I can't really remember how. I had my motorcycle Thunder-Header coated with Jet-Hot Flat black and have been extremely happy with it and it has been on the bike a good 4 years now and still looks great. Try The Jet-Hot web site and they explain things much better than me, but I am a beliver.

[FordNut]

Mine are coated, never tried the other way so I can't do a comparison.

Another comment I've read is that keeping the heat in the exhaust gases keeps the velocity up, which improves exhaust scavenging and makes more power.

[finster101]

Mine are coated, never tried the other way so I can't do a comparison.

Another comment I've read is that keeping the heat in the exhaust gases keeps the velocity up, which improves exhaust scavenging and makes more power.


That is the part I could not remember. It is worth if for the look alone.

[Paul T. Casey]

The added thermal scavanging from the coating is miniscule. Coating will look better longer, but I have my doubts about any hp gains. With a QUALITY stainless steel header, thermal transfer rates are probably better without coating. With the cheap headers, the coating may extend service life. If you can, call Kooks. Mr. Kook (I can't recall his name, the father anyway) will explain all this stuff to you. He did for me. His bottom line was something like, "If you want to have your headers coated, I'll do it. But if my headers needed coating, that's the way I'd make them." Pretty honest, considering if he told me to coat, he'd made another couple hundred bucks.

[Paul T. Casey]

The only component I wrapped was the starter, on the advice of my mechanic. Everything has been peachy since the header install, which is several years ago now.

[O's Fan Rich]

I think the coating also helps to keep the cats hot... I know mine will throw o2 codes when I start it cold and just let it idle for awhile... cats don't get hot enough I guess.

[Paul T. Casey]

I think the coating also helps to keep the cats hot... I know mine will throw o2 codes when I start it cold and just let it idle for awhile... cats don't get hot enough I guess.
I think that's more a function of better flow mimicing an overlean condition. What are the codes?

[O's Fan Rich]

I think that's more a function of better flow mimicing an overlean condition. What are the codes?

Only happens VERY rarely Paul ( like twice sine thet headers were installed), each time it's left bank, right bank O2's. I clear them and all is cool...
The last time it happened I started the car and ran into the hours and was delayed about 5 minutes and the codes fired up.
You may be right on the lean as, I really should upgrade my pump. When we tuned it last August, Lidio was ok with the results, but highly suggested a pump swap. I'm probably going to have Lidio do it in August.