Quote:
Originally Posted by EvolutionRevolution
Damn you just opened a whole can of worms I didn't know existed. Thanks though for the insight. I'll be back after analysis paralysis wears off...
|
It is a hard thing to balance corrosion protection and thermal management.
Coatings can help with corrosion and thermal management, but they make repairs hard, and they aren't the best at thermal management. If they chip then the internal coating can become a liability.
High end exhaust wraps are better at thermal management, but some argue that they can be too good such that there is too much heat retention, which can overheat the metal leading to cracks and such. This is evident by the fact that someone could touch a wrap after running their car without getting burnt. Wraps are definitely poor at corrosion resistance. In fact, they can accelerate rusting if against mild steel that is repeatedly exposed to the elements. Lastly, if there is an oil leak or something that drips on them then they can slightly shield the exhaust, while also acting like the wick of a candle. They can work themselves loose if poorly installed or wear out if of poorer quality.
Molded metal exhaust covers to cheap sheet metal shields provide an air of insulation between metal components. They do a good job of reducing the exposure to elements and oil drips, but they aren't the best at thermal management. They can be expensive.
It would be nice to use a coating and a wrap, but the wrap acts like sand paper and wears the coating away over time.
Everyone has their preference. My preference is to buy a good stainless steel header, which should reduce or eliminate much of the corrosion potential. Then, I like to use a quality DEI Titanium exhaust wrap, and then I like to use heat shielding where necessary to reduce exposure to the elements. This can be everything from an exhaust shield to the engine undertray.
Whatever your choice, this isn't a "set it and forget it" item on the car.