Wrapped header pipe
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Wrapped header pipe
Anyone have any experience with wrapping header pipes? Any real decrease in heat, or just a lot of work and a waste of time.
I just gutted the cat on the new 2013 Limited that replaced my totaled 2012, and while I had it off, thought I might wrap it before putting it back on.
Bill
I just gutted the cat on the new 2013 Limited that replaced my totaled 2012, and while I had it off, thought I might wrap it before putting it back on.
Bill
Anyone have any experience with wrapping header pipes? Any real decrease in heat, or just a lot of work and a waste of time.
I just gutted the cat on the new 2013 Limited that replaced my totaled 2012, and while I had it off, thought I might wrap it before putting it back on.
Bill
I just gutted the cat on the new 2013 Limited that replaced my totaled 2012, and while I had it off, thought I might wrap it before putting it back on.
Bill
I also removed my Cat,,, before I re-installed the pipe I wrapped just the box area of my head pipe with 2" wide header wrap... seems to work okay, but when you wash the bike the wrap gets all wet... when you start the bike up after washing(or when caught in the rain) you'll get a lot of steam coming off the wrap. I'm getting ready to do a Cam swap and I'll be removing the header wrap.
Last edited by Sam D.; Nov 23, 2014 at 08:53 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the technical reason to wrap a header is to keep the gasses inside hotter for longer- this makes for good velocity in the exhaust and yields minor performance gains.
( a ceramic coating is sometimes used).
the usual reason for wrapping headers is to hide crappy welds or dented pipes...or to make an awesome rat rod that everyone will stop and admire ( not).
the downside can be the header rusting away inside the wrap if moisture is allowed to be held against the steel- for those of us in dry climates that may not really be much of an issue...
knowing all this if heat is a concern for you, it might be worth wrapping the header. especially now that it is off.
should be quick easy and cheap- look for a youtube or 2 on tips and tricks.
see if you can get it on thin enough so that your heat shields fit over top cleanly
Mike
( a ceramic coating is sometimes used).
the usual reason for wrapping headers is to hide crappy welds or dented pipes...or to make an awesome rat rod that everyone will stop and admire ( not).
the downside can be the header rusting away inside the wrap if moisture is allowed to be held against the steel- for those of us in dry climates that may not really be much of an issue...
knowing all this if heat is a concern for you, it might be worth wrapping the header. especially now that it is off.
should be quick easy and cheap- look for a youtube or 2 on tips and tricks.
see if you can get it on thin enough so that your heat shields fit over top cleanly
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 23, 2014 at 11:30 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 160
Likes: 5
From: indiana
the downside can be the header rusting away inside the wrap if moisture is allowed to be held against the steel-
I have wrapped lots of pipes for many reasons. The pipes get so hot that moisture will not be a problem. The wrap definitely cuts down on the heat.
I have wrapped lots of pipes for many reasons. The pipes get so hot that moisture will not be a problem. The wrap definitely cuts down on the heat.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
i have it on my triumph, just to hide the blue/gold turned pipes, didnt really notice big diff in heat but hat bike is water cooled so it doesnt get as hot as our harleys. i will prob wrap the next harley i get, again for cosmetic reasons. i hate the way a head pipe refectsinto the engine chrome and you can see the blue/purple in the cam cover and trans at certain angles
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
I wrapped the Night train and the heat was evenly distributed throughout the pipe but did it lower the temp ? Hot is hot!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,932
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From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
FYI,
Just a precaution.i have seen this on the CVOHarley forum.
Member had his aftermarket header wrapped. Took it off, and the header was crumbling and rotten!
He had it wrapped on a 2011 model year and took the wrap off about 3 months ago to find a surprise!
I would just get a good aftermarket header and an proper Turner and for most, LEAVE the wrap off!
YB
Just a precaution.i have seen this on the CVOHarley forum.
Member had his aftermarket header wrapped. Took it off, and the header was crumbling and rotten!
He had it wrapped on a 2011 model year and took the wrap off about 3 months ago to find a surprise!
I would just get a good aftermarket header and an proper Turner and for most, LEAVE the wrap off!
YB
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 4
From: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
I use to wrap the exhaust on my chopper. Before you wrap the exhaust, soak the wrap in water for 5-10 mins. Then wrap your exhaust, using two stainless steel ties on each end. When the wrap dries if will shrink and you will have a nice tight fit.
Nothing worse looking than a poorly done wrap!
Nothing worse looking than a poorly done wrap!