Header wrapping question

[Soopernovaaj]

My headers are wrapped in that header wrapping stuff, and i was just wondering what the benefit of it is. They're in pretty decent shape, but there are a couple small ripped spots. Should I just remove it all? Re-wrap them? Leave them alone? Does it really do a whole lot for heat reduction? oh and my headers are already out of the car. Thanks in advance!

[Lucky SOB]

the idea behind wrapping them is to keep them from burning other things (plug wires mostly) and if you have them out, might as well re-wrap them, or if your plug wires are out of the way enough i would coat them, it looks much better imo.

[c0ncEpT]

The real reason for warping them is to keep under hood temps down in a Non turbo application

[Soopernovaaj]

yeah i would love to coat them but its a little outta my league right now ($$$).....

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

There is a negative to wrapping them...moisture gets retained between the wrap and the header itself...over time this can corrode the header more quickly...

But, yes, they will help keep underhood temps down.

[TB2]

Mine are wrapped, and they do keep underhood temps down alot. But there is also a performance reason to wrap them.
Below is from the ThermoTec website.
Wrapping headers with Header Wrap maintains hotter exhaust gases that exit the system faster through decreased density. Increased exhaust scavenging is produced, along with lower intake temperatures.

[lozanoa11]

Mine are wrapped, and they do keep underhood temps down alot. But there is also a performance reason to wrap them.
Below is from the ThermoTec website.
Wrapping headers with Header Wrap maintains hotter exhaust gases that exit the system faster through decreased density. Increased exhaust scavenging is produced, along with lower intake temperatures.

Best answer so far
and yes it can corrode your headers. it voids most warranties if i remember right

[TSTONE]

Mine are wrapped, and they do keep underhood temps down alot. But there is also a performance reason to wrap them.
Below is from the ThermoTec website.
Wrapping headers with Header Wrap maintains hotter exhaust gases that exit the system faster through decreased density. Increased exhaust scavenging is produced, along with lower intake temperatures.

this is correct - however, as stated if its not really your application then its more of a detriment than a help

[steddy]

I read somewhere that it also heats the headers to the point that there may be a burn-through or possible melting. I just saw that most of the headers that I've considered (bike and car) will void the warranty, should they be found to be wrapped and something goes wrong. If you have ceramic coated headers (in/out), the temps are lower than with manifolds. I just go with spark plug shields.

[Soopernovaaj]

thanks guys. I think imma just leave them wrapped how they are...I havent had any problems yet. I can just look past the ugliness...