Exhaust header heat wrapping?

[MrSpeedy]

My stepfather is a mechanic and I have asked him the same question about header wraps. Over 25 years in the business, he told me to stay away. The wrap actually increases heat as the heat cannot escape out due to the wrap which can cause warping, cracking, which therefore causes leaks. Id say its a no go.

Thanks for all the answers! But I believe that i'm going to stay away. This was what I was afraid of that it would split the opinions like 50/50. And that doesn't convince me to go with the wrapping. After all, we don't have those headers here like you do in US. And the climate is one issue that can affect to the answers. I'm building a engine that will last more than 6 months after I have to change parts again. The gain probably isn't that huge to risk my header.

[pedalpusher90]

if you opt against wrapping a strongly suggest using the stock heat shield it keeps some of the exhaust temp out of the engine bay

[steelbluesleepR]

if you opt against wrapping a strongly suggest using the stock heat shield it keeps some of the exhaust temp out of the engine bay

that is not necessary with a tubular style header. also, there isnt really anything that will go wrong with having the engine bay being a couple degrees cooler. the only detriment would be if you had your air filter RIGHT next to the header. there is enough airflow in the engine bay that it is a non-issue

[MrSpeedy]

I've thought of putting the original heat shield back in place if I find one. Really wanted to hear about the wrapping. And for the couple degrees it doesn't need the cover necessarily. Not building a race car, just wanted to know more about plus and cons. It was just a thought cause i've got the header out now, so it would be quite easy to wrap.

[iwork4mycb7]

My stepfather is a mechanic and I have asked him the same question about header wraps. Over 25 years in the business, he told me to stay away. The wrap actually increases heat as the heat cannot escape out due to the wrap which can cause warping, cracking, which therefore causes leaks. Id say its a no go.

this makes sence to me...

but when i had my f22a1 i had megan racing headers and i wraped them and had no problems with them i dont know about the oem headers after a while i got tire of the wraping and just took it off and when i did the wrap was toasted..