header paint

[Longroof79]

The header wrap is beneficial in increased exhaust flow and cooler underhood temps. However, I did hear that it causes them to rust prematurely. But again, I've no experience with using it.
Also, as far as the VHT high heat paint is concerned. It does depend on how the product is applied and cured. Duplicolor also makes good header paint. The paint that the manufacturer uses on headers is garbage.
I recall when I first bought my original (Blackjack) headers, they were painted white, with what seemed like latex paint.

 

[1979ratrod]

ok so forget that. i would rather go with a brush on so i can coat it thick. anyone know of a good brand of brush on or had luck with any?

 

[jrm81bu]

I'll toss in another vote for VHT. I sprayed that on right on rusty manifolds and so far it still looks the same as when I sprayed it. It would rub off before the engine was running to get it hot enough to cure.
I've also used the Duplicolor on a set of headers and was not impressed at all. Pretty much changed the black to a reddish brown the first time I drove it.

 

[1979ratrod]

I'll toss in another vote for VHT. I sprayed that on right on rusty manifolds and so far it still looks the same as when I sprayed it. It would rub off before the engine was running to get it hot enough to cure.
I've also used the Duplicolor on a set of headers and was not impressed at all. Pretty much changed the black to a reddish brown the first time I drove it.

how long have you had the headers on?

 

[jrm81bu]

The headers on my Malibu now are 11 year old ceramic coated flowtechs. I used that Duplicolor on a project I had years ago. Only had for a year or two. The VHT was used when I rebuilt the engine in my Grandmother's truck. It's had a few thousand mile put on it, and the manifolds still look like they did when I painted them. Here's a link to the thread, there is some pics of the manifolds before and after in it. All I did from the rusty pics is some minor wire wheeling to get the flaky stuff off.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=20491

 

[1979ratrod]

The headers on my Malibu now are 11 year old ceramic coated flowtechs. I used that Duplicolor on a project I had years ago. Only had for a year or two. The VHT was used when I rebuilt the engine in my Grandmother's truck. It's had a few thousand mile put on it, and the manifolds still look like they did when I painted them. Here's a link to the thread, there is some pics of the manifolds before and after in it. All I did from the rusty pics is some minor wire wheeling to get the flaky stuff off.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=20491

looks good, you said earlier that the paint has to cure when the engine is run but how wet were thay when you put them on or how dry do they get?

 

[jrm81bu]

It dries fairly quick, but it doesn't take much to start to rub it off. Better prep may help that alot. That said, it may be more durable(before curing) than I give it credit for. Some water had dripped on these after they were dry but before the motor was in, and that left marks in the paint. I didn't know at the time that it need to be cured with heat. So I thought it wasn't going to stick. But after running the engine, the water marks are gone and water doesn't leave a mark anymore.