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2" X 50' Fiberglass Exhaust/Header Wrap - Black
SKU: EXH11000325
Our Exhaust/header wrap will decrease your engine bay temperature, improve cooling and add horsepower. Please read this description thoroughly for more information about this very helpful but often misused product.
Header wrap has gotten a bad reputation for fears that it causes exhaust parts to rust or fatigue prematurely. While rust is always a concern - wrap or no wrap - here are some ideas that might allow you to get all the great benefits of this product while preventing the drawbacks.
- Use the right product. This header wrap is 1.5MM thick fiberglass, which is ideal for most street or race cars, trucks, bikes, or boats. It substantially insulates exhaust parts while allowing some of the heat to escape, preventing overheating and fatigue (or "burn-out", as it's sometimes called). Do not double wrap, and do not use too much overlap! The recommended amount of overlap to use is 1/4".
- Don't go crazy. There is definitely such a thing as too much exhaust insulation. Over-insulating exhaust parts is the primary cause of parts fatigue and early failure! There are probably over 100 different types of exhaust wrap, many promising better insulation at an increased price. But you don't want better insulation; you want exactly the amount of insulation that this product offers. If you use excessive overlap, double-wrap, or use overly aggressive exhaust wrap, you'll be much more likely to have problems. Furthermore, if you use too much exhaust wrap in the same place, it can actually prevent the metal from expanding properly, compounding the problem.
- Install dry. It's been suggested by some websites and manufacturers of exhaust wrap that you get it damp prior to installing. This makes it easier to install and gives you a better seal to hold in more heat. It's hard to say how much damage would be caused by this one-time moisture, but it probably doesn't help. Clean and dry your exhaust parts before installing, and install the product dry to get a good head start on rust prevention.
- Keep dry. The main reason exhaust wrap can cause premature rust is because it holds moisture. If you're cleaning your engine bay, go ahead and put a plastic bag over your wrapped headers - the cleaning supplies won't do much to clean the exhaust wrap anyways. If you happen to drive through a big puddle of water, consider taking the wrap off, drying, then reinstalling.
- Consider painting. Paint is the most common way to prevent rust in every application from bicycles to aircraft carriers. If you paint your exhaust parts with a high temperature paint and then wrap them, the rust issue will either be reduced or completely eliminated. Header paint is available at many auto parts stores. Note that you should use a paint rated for at least 2000F.
When we were deciding if we were going to carry header wrap, we read many user testimonies for and against the product. It seems most people just install header wrap with no special considerations and drive for 20 years with no problems, while others have bad luck with the product right from the get-go. By using the tips above we believe you'll have a stable and valid way to increase power and improve engine cooling while maintaining reliability.
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