How to Wrap Exhaust Headers? Detailed Guide for Newbie

If you are reading this, there is a big possibility you are doing so because you do not know how to wrap exhaust headers. Do not worry, for this article is here to aid you in your actions.

Understanding exhaust headers and the whole wrapping process may seem a little intimating at first. But once you get into it with the right procedures, you will be able to better understand them all together.

Before we jump into knowing exactly how one must wrap exhaust headers, we must know what exactly exhaust headers are and why wrapping them may be beneficial.

What are Exhaust Headers?

Exhaust headers in Automotive Engineering refer to the collection of exhaust fumes from multiple cylinders into one long pipe. The main point is to make it easier for car engines to release fumes in a much easier and sufficient manner, ideally improving their performance.

Many car owners often wonder if exhaust headers can increase horsepower and the answer to that is yes! A good set of headers can actually increase the horsepower by 10-20, and it could also increase fuel mileage.

The Benefits of Wrapping Exhaust Headers

The whole idea behind an exhaust header is to improve engine functioning within a car. In order to do so, you must ensure proper exhaust flow.

This is where wrapping comes in. Exhaust headers perform better when the heat within them is trapped. In order to achieve this, you will have to wrap it. Wrapping the headers also decreases under-hood temperatures, prompting an increase in horsepower and efficiency.

Now that we are up-to-date with what an exhaust header is and why we should wrap it, let us discuss how to wrap exhaust headers.

The Procedure-How to Wrap Exhaust Headers

In order to wrap an exhaust header, you will need the following

1. Titanium wraps (if you choose to use fiberglass wraps, you will have to follow an additional step where you must wet it prior to usage)

2. Stainless Steel Metal Griplockties

3. Metal clippers

4. Flathead screwdriver

5. Scissors

6. Eye protection

7. Gloves

Now that you know what tools you will need let us discuss the steps.

Step 1- Begin by measuring out how many wraps you will need. You should do this by getting the titanium wrap and wrapping it around the exhaust pipes to see how many loops you will need in order to cover the whole thing. Once you have done that, count the number of loops in your hand and cut off that much. You will do this once for the pipes and then for the point where all the pipes meet. A quick tip is to cut a little extra to be safe. You can always trim the excess at the end

Step 2- Now, loosely wrap the pipe. This step is known as ‘Priming,’ and it is to ensure you do not have a loose piece of wrap that you must feed around the pipe at the end. The process of taking the end of the wrap and completing one full circle is known as a ‘Revolution.’ In order to ensure the cut edge of the wrap does not interfere with anything, fold the edge into a half triangle and wrap it tightly around the head of the exhaust header, also known as the ‘Collector’ (you will notice a point where all the pipes meet, that is the Collector)

 Step 3- Once you have completed priming, wrap the exhaust header tightly. Keep the cut edge of the wrap on the Collector and continue to wrap tightly.

 Step 4- Once you have wrapped it around properly, cut off any excess strands and fold them tightly into the nook of the header. Fold it in tightly to ensure it does not move.

 Step 5-Secure the wrap with a stainless-steel metal grip locktie. Fold the lock tie within itself and tighten the grip. Cut off the excess strip

 Step 6- Once you have completed wrapping one pipe, continue the same process on the other pipes

 Step 7- Once you get to the Collector, start by priming the wrap. Make sure to use the separate length you cut off for this. Fold the edge the same way and place it down on the Collector. Layer the wrap on top after you have completed the revolution with the cut edge. Wrap the whole Collector with the length you have cut off.

 Step 8- Secure the wrap with the metal grip lockties (use more than one to ensure adequate security).

 Step 9- In order to ensure there are no sharp edges pocking out, make sure to cut off the excess strip of the lock ties and fold the tip inwards.

Precautions

In order to ensure you do not hurt yourself, follow the instructions below.

• Do NOT use plastic zip ties for this procedure. Plastic is not durable in heat.
• ALWAYS wear gloves specifically manufactured for automotive procedures.
• Make sure to cut off the excess metal strip in order to ensure no additional pieces of metal are sticking out
• Do NOT rush the procedure. Rushing it may leave loose ends, which may decrease the productivity of the wrap
• KNOW that wrapping them may void their warranty
• Because the wrap may trap moisture and air, it may lead to corrosion and rusting, damaging it beyond repair

Because the wrap may trap moisture and air, it may lead to corrosion and rusting, damaging it beyond repair. For something so fundamental as a car, proper caution must be ensured so that it may run smoothly. Be sure to understand the fundamentals of exhaust headers and wrapping before proceeding with this.

Final Words

In short, exhaust headers may benefit the performance of the car overall. With the heat being trapped causing the horsepower to increase and potentially also increasing fuel mileage, wrapping does seem like a good option.

However, you must understand the basics of exhaust headers and header wrapping (which includes understanding the materials and exact procedure adequately enough) before you learn how to wrap exhaust headers.

Related Post:

1. How to Clean Motorcycle Wheels Aluminum.