Ceramic coating on extractors?

Interceptor · 03-01-2014, 10:22 AM

Is it all its cracked up to be? what are the real world benefits/gains to be had from getting a set of extractors coated before fitting?

lockie · 03-01-2014, 12:19 PM

I dunno the answer to that but I can tell you I have pacemakers with the heat resistant blue paint on my 2009 FG XR6 & I just had to replace my alternator. The auto electrician claims the extra heat from the headers without a heat shield could have been the reason for premature failure of the old alternator. If ceramic coating helps with heat then go for it.

**cs123** · 03-01-2014, 12:24 PM

I believe it's worth it. Not from a HP gain but reducing heat. I have noticed that with my car, there is very little heat thrown off the pipes, but I am also running lots of initial timing so that would help too.

The latest engine masters mag had some temp figures. I'll dig them up and post them.

Plus they look ace when coated

Edit:
Here are the figures from the Engine masters mag.

Coated headers:- Temp immediately after run 258F, one minute cool down 195F

Uncoated, painted black headers:- Temp immediately after run 870F, one minute cool down 520F

Dyno Cruise simulation: 3500rpm/60ftlbs Coated 288F, uncoated 850F

**gregaust** · 03-01-2014, 03:10 PM

Yep I'd believe those numbers. From my experience a car with coated pipes when you lift the bonnet you get hit with hot air. Coated pipes = huge difference just warm not hot if that makes sense.
Then there's the benefits of looks and no rust.

Fast Eddie · 03-01-2014, 04:13 PM

I have Ford Racing 4-2-1 Ceramic Coated Headers on my Mk1 Focus. I was running OEM Exhaust for many years before changing to said set-up. Rob Herrod did a Custom Tune for me not long after installing the new system and I'm pretty impressed with the final dyno torque figures. Seat-of-the-pants feel is very noticeable. I went with ceramic coated because it was the same price as a regular stainless steel Headers at the time. I agree with cs123's comment, as some people I show the engine bay to pay me compliments but that's not why I did it. Their photo of how they look new is spot on but didn't take long to go a light grey colour.

NeillNZ · 03-01-2014, 10:10 PM

When I inquired about it with High Performance Coatings they said to bear in mind that if they are going on a new motor that is going to have a lot of tuning work done, it is best to do the tune first then get them coated.

For the reason that during tuning the headers could get so hot that they could change the appearance of the coating.

Something to bear in mind.

**gregaust** · 03-01-2014, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeillNZ

When I inquired about it with High Performance Coatings they said to bear in mind that if they are going on a new motor that is going to have a lot of tuning work done, it is best to do the tune first then get them coated.

For the reason that during tuning the headers could get so hot that they could change the appearance of the coating.

Something to bear in mind.

Absolutely spot on. With little care have seen them go off. A good coating stays nice.
I engine dynode before coating my latest set or another idea I've done is have external fans and plenty of air flow over the motor on start up if running in a flat tappet cam.
If the pipes go dull they can be polished again with a nice fine metal polish