16 replies to this topic

[Bean]

Hi!

Just been wondering lately ...

What's the best way to protect an exhaust manifold from discolouration/surface rust etc? I realise, due to the heat, it's always going to be tough to keep it looking good, but wondered what the best way is?

We've thought about chroming it, but it's a bit too 'Blingy!' for our liking! We also thought about a heat-wrap .. but then, that doesn't look as good in the engine bay?

Is there another alternative that will keep the manifold looking new/polished?


Any help/examples will be greatly appreciated!


Thanks

[Guess-Works.com]

Probably your only real option would be to get it professionally painted with HT paint and then baked.

but in real terms, Stainless ones blue, mild steel go rusty.... unless it's a show car, live with it

[Bean]

Hmm, paint is also an option, but IMO they don't look quite as good painted? But that's just my poncy-ness!


It is for a show car, of sorts. It's for the Pick-Up and seeing as the whole car's been rebuilt (literally), kris wants something that will sit nicely in the engine bay. And, after the amount of money he's spent, he just wants to keep it looking spanking!


Thanks for the reply, John!

[Jackman]

Ceramic coating?

[GraemeC]

Ceramic coating is one, but it can be expensive. Usually leaves a very light grey finish.

I use Hammerite or Plastikote BBQ paint - nice satin finish that just looks 'right'. It doesn't burn off as such like normal paint, but after a while (2 yrs or so) will start to show signs of rust again just down to the heat cycles the manifold goes through.

[Jackman]

Well my thoughts were Ceramic Coating then spraying over that as the coating is quite heat resisitant

Also dont forget a combustion byproduct is water which is another reason why they rust.

[sazal]

Ron was telling me about some paint you can buy now, it does the same job as heat wrap and comes in lots of colours! Cant remember what its called though

[mini93]

is this kris's engine he was getting sone at lesspeed? (morspeed) **SNIP** i also suject stainless manifold, goes bluish goldish in places
there not cheep though

[mike.]

I bought a stainless steel specialist components LCB. Wasn't pricey either:

[mini93]

has it been used yet mike? just wondering how the SC bits are, i know SC have good rep

[Bean]

David - PM'd! Sorry I had to edit, but you know why!!

But yeah, it's the Moronspeed engine!


He's got the manifold already, but don't know what it's made of, to be honest. It's from Maniflow though?

Thank you for the replies everybody!

[mike.]

has it been used yet mike? just wondering how the SC bits are, i know SC have good rep

Nope won't be fitted until the summer. But it is made from good strong stainless and the welds looks perfect.

The only thing i'm abit conserned about is the fit of the centre branch. It doesn't really line up properly with where the ports will be when fitted and even when you pull it into shape it doesn't sit level with the outer branches. You can see what i mean in this pic:

http://i186.photobuc.../Photo-0239.jpg

I think it'll be fine though once the mainfold nuts pull it into shape. I might bolt it to the head and leave it sitting in the garage so it'll get into the right shape when i come to fit it.

[Prawn]

blimey, that looks miles out!

Also, does it not have a seperate Y piece? Do you have to fit it whole like that?

[mike.]

Yer its got a seperate Y piece. I think the problem is though that when i bend the centre branch in to sit level with the outer ones, it hits the right hand outer brand, stopping it bending in sny further.

I'll have to buy some manifold studs and bolt it to a head to see what its like. I can imagine its going to be a right PITA to fit once its all in the car!

[m1n1]

DIY Electroplating kit? there available from frost and theres a range of different plating materials.. zinc / nickel etc.