wrap kenne bell headers?

[atomicmecha]

Anyone ever wrap a set of kenny bell headers? I'd like to wrap mine but after a test fit on the heads it looks awfully close to the vortec valve covers. Wondering if anyone has run vortec heads and wrapped kenne bell headers. How do they look? And did you use different valve covers or the stock ones?

And before anyone asks, I want to wrap them for 2 reasons, one heat reduction. Anything to cut a few degrees of under hood temperatures I'll do. Two, I think wrapped exhaust looks wicked. Dunno why, but its something I like.

 

[Z SKI]

Re: wrap kenne bell headers?

Wrapping headers especially mild steel ones will accelerate corrosion (traps moisture) of the headers along with making hot spots which will potentially cause the metal to get brittle and crack... Might want to take a close look at header to composite valave cover clearance... Those will melt pretty good if they are too close to exhaust stuff...

Hope this helps..

See ya,

 

[STOUT74]

Re: wrap kenne bell headers?

I'm running KB headers on my truck with a set of pontiac heads, not vortecs. I've had them wrapped for about 7 years now. I was concerned about what ZSKI mentioned a couple years back so I stripped them & re-wrapped them. I use the DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap. They looked great,I found no issues with the headers. BUT, my truck is not a daily driver nor does it EVER get driven in the rain, so moisture has not been a concern. Does it help with under hood temps, from my experience, I have to say oh ya. I also have my downpipe wrapped from my turbo to just past the transmission. Just my :2cents:.

 

[Chassis1]

Re: wrap kenne bell headers?

Gonna be building a brand new set shortly for a member.... will post up some pics...

 

[atomicmecha]

Re: wrap kenne bell headers?

Definitely wrapping the new downpipe when I get it. And I'm not too worried about the moister due to my typhoon will be a low milage truck and I will avoid driving it in anything but sunny weather. I've wrapped a few downpipes before but never headers. Downpipes are easy since its normally just one or two long pieces that are the same size all the way. These headers are a bit more complicated and I'll probably have to start over a few times. I know I will need to do each one up to the collector and then do the collector back so that there is an over lay of the wrap.

Also, in an attempt to help them control heat and keep them in good shape I plan on getting them coated before the wrap.

As for clearance, the reason I ask if anyone has done them with vortec heads is because this is how tight they are...

Granted, vortec covers are rounder and all. If I use stock covers or edelbrock covers, there will be more room. Guess I'll have to go that route if I wrap them. Even now, I'm worried the heat is going to cause an issue with the plastic vortec cover being that close.

 

[Damian]

Re: wrap kenne bell headers?

Just get them ceramic coated.