header wrap... good or bad
 

I just installed a header on my 2003 sentra ser spec-v and I wrapped it in fiberglass wrap. Now, I'm being told it was a bad idea because it will cause cracking/premature rusting. I was doing it do keep under-hood temperatures down and make the exhaust flow a little better being warmer. The factory heat shield obviously dosnt fit any-more do this seemed like the best option.

Opinions??

The best option is having it ceramic coated, but that's not exactly inexpensive.
Posted via RS Mobile

Get the titanium header wrap from DEI. I had my previous header coated from JET-HOT...fine for the street, but on the track, my EGTs were too high for it.

Your fine. I've never seen a header or any exhaust component fail prematurely from thermal wraps

i left all that junk off on my 2002 Nissan Sentra Spec-V, even the heat shields, they just added weight, temps were the same either way. nice job on the 2003 though.. have you done a pre-cat gut and a butterfly check yet?

I'm curious what you have done to your car. I miss my old one. :)

butterfly check?

Just the header which got rid of the first cat and a 02 sensor spacer. And put on a fart cannon since the stock muffler was acting up and a second resonator.

The intake manifold opens up fully only at high rpm. The opening mechanism is regulated by "butterfly" valves. The screws that hold down these valves are often loose. Imagine when you are ripping the car, the valve opens, screw comes loose, sucked into your engine. Instant boom.

Since your 2002 is out of warranty, if it blows up, you'll have to either total it, or get a new used engine completely.

QR25DE Precat and Butterfly Screw FAQ - B15sentra.net - Nissan Sentra Forum
Scroll down for the fix. You can DIY if you follow the guide.

Im Running and OBX 4-1 Header, Magnaflow CatBack, Replacement Shifter Bushings, Stereo... etc... 16" SE Rims (off my SR20DE Sentra) im not doing anything else because i have a possible bad head gaskget and i dont want to push it

Get it coated with Swaintech's White Lightning.

I do ceramic coating over here on the island on both jap sports and marine I use Techline coatings and recommend that any and all after market exhausts should be coated for best performance and longevity msg me if your interested I can recommend and give you a quote that I think you will be pleased with

wrap is amazing stuff. the problem is the heat thats now not transferring to the air under hood is now trapped in the metal. meaning higher temps and wear from fatigue will be quicker then without wrap. question is do you want low engine bay temps or lower manifold temp. and No... wear wise, ceramic coating is exactly the same as wrap. just more permanent.

wrap can trap water causing corrosion. but... who gets there exhaust wet and then lets it sit.. wet... for weeks???