| Author | Message | ||
     Rum_runner |
Could someone please tell me the secret to wrapping my header "97 S1. Bought 1" 50' roll doesn't look like it'll be enough. I started dry wrapping them just to see how its going to work and when i get to the first bend its all bunched up and looks like crap. Will some one please direct me on this please. | ||
| Essthreetee |
I just did mine recently. Most of the guys on here say to wrap it WET, as it is supposed to be easier than dry. I did mine dry. I used 2" 50' roll, but I overlapped about an inch (which gave it a double coat). My header was removed from the bike, I have heard that some guys wrap it with header still on bike. I first used a hose clamp to hold the end tight and then proceeded to wrap, applying CONSTANT tension keeping it TIGHT and working slow. As I went, if it did not look good, I would unwrap back to a part where I liked it and then re wrap. At the bend, the overlap changed slightly, wider on the outside of the turn & closer on the inside, but I wanted it to look as good as it works. I guess after re reading all of this, my recommendation is to take your time, check the overlap, and be prepared to have tired hands after continuously pulling and keeping it tight. I am happy with the way mine turned out. Again, most on here say wet is the way to go, as it lets the wrap bend easier and it keeps the fibers down. I had no problem doing it dry. Good luck and don't give up, it is well worth the effort (IMO). | ||
| 98s3sns |
I found it to work a lot better when wet, I used a 50' roll on a 98 S3 header and had a little left over.  | ||
| Rum_runner |
Now did you guys wrap the front header pipe first. If you did how did you measure it to cut it to length. The chart that came with it is for two inch wrap and i bought one inch. | ||
| Joesbuell |
I wrapped the front first, I did a rough dry wrap first to calculate how much was needed then cut, rolled it up dropped in a bucket of water then started wrapping from the top down. I didn't clamp until after I'd gotten to the end as it stayed in place. Then wrap your rear header all the way down to just above where the header meets the muffler. I sat mine in the sun for about 4 hours then sprayed with high temp paint.   Cheers Jodie | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
wet is the way to go for sure. I have done this many times for different types of headers. If the headers are off the bike i usually wet the wrap, unroll it and tie one end to something sturdy. now when you start to wrap the headers you can pull it tight as it is tied off on the other end, I pull it pretty tight while wrapping them as this is tuff stuff. your forearms will be dead by the end of 50'... when it dries it will shrink and tighten the crap out of the wrap. If possible I would try not to cut it on strips but do it in one piece. It will stay together longer if you do it this way. I just did a set last night as my old headers were damaged, 1"x50' got my headers wrapped on the seperate tubes but I still need to do the bottom of them as I ran out of wrap cuz I wrapped them 2-fold. I started at the bottom of the headers where they come together, went to the top where they connect to the motor and then back down and repeat process on other side. usually i only single wrap them and one roll is enough w/ some left over. I tried something different this time and i need about 20 more feet to complete the bottom half. just remember that tighter is better. Good luck! | ||
| Dentfixer |
I gotta admit, not sure if I like the wrapped header look enough. The stock gold toned headers very much appeal to me. But the header wrap look is growing on me. Can someone lay out for me the reasons and/or benefits for wrapping the headers? I am considering it just because it makes the bike look more customized/personalized. But what else does the wrap contribute? | ||
| Chasespeed |
Well, first off, is the heat... If you have a tuber, the wrap will help your right lieg feel ALOT better...it will be cooler... So, cooler area sround the headers.. Second, from the performance side... Gases flow better/faster when hotter.. So, wrap the pipe to insulate it, thus, keeping the heat inside the pipe... Helps to keep exhuast velocity up, and helps to promote better scavenging... NOTE, I have no proof of the second part, but, its been done since long before I was born, so, has to be something to it.. Chase | ||
| Joesbuell |
My only reason for wrapping my headers was because they are XB headers customized to fit my S3 project(could'nt blend the welds good enough)otherwise I would have had them ceramic coated. The look has grown on me too.  Jodie | ||
| Ceejay |
Hey Jodie! I like the looks better too. plus too me they remove some of the "tiney" sound. But the biggest reason was sitting in traffic- my leg would get really hot...As chase stated there's supposed to be performance advantages too, but I've never tested either. 2" 50' did my force well. Then as Jodie stated paint with high temp black... | ||
| Dentfixer |
I'm on an 06 Lightning. The heat is noticeable yes. But I have too much fun riding to let it bother me. Ok, can anybody suggest a resource to get some facts on how the wrap influences performance? Chase, what you said makes sense. Just wonder if we can find some research to back it up. Hey Al, how about letting us have your opinion? | ||
| Strato9r |
Well, header wrap does a hell of a job reducing underhood temperatures on cars, which reduces the heat of the incoming air, meaning a denser intake charge, which means more power. Chase is dead on regarding exhaust temperature and velocity, as well. A properly sized header, insulated to keep the heat moving along with the spent gasses, can actually increase exhaust scavenging to the point where camshaft duration and overlap can be reduced, and net equal peak power, yet increase torque at lower engine speeds. On a motorcycle, where everything is more or less out in the open, the reduction in radiant heat would sure make things easier on body parts in close proximity to the exhaust, but remember that if radiant heat from a scorching hot exhaust system can be reduced around the cooling fins, those fins can concentrate their efforts on radiating engine heat, rather than absorbing exhaust heat. Personally, I like the way the stuff looks, and will soon be doing the header on my 9r. That rear pipe gets a little hot on the leg, and the frame, and subsequently, the fuel, has got to be soaking up a fair amount of heat as well, which isnt really great for making horsepower. | ||
| Dentfixer |
Strato, more good points. Thanks. I'm just about sold on the idea. Just wish there were some statistics from testing somewhere that we can see the facts. So ... ... where's the best deal on a roll of header wrap and how much can I expect to pay? Another question, does the wrap ruin the gold tone of the original header? Would the header look good if the wrap was used for a while then removed? | ||
| Strato9r |
Check your local speed shop, Ron. As a matter of fact, the performance department at our machine shop sells about 80% of the header wrap we bring in to the local chopper shop. You could also check with industrial supply houses; a lot of that stuff gets used in high temp factory and production line applications. As far as ruining the finish on the header, it's stainless steel, and any stains or discolorations I've had on my pipes buffed off easily with Scotchbrite pads. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I was told that wrapping the pipes is something that should be done yearly because if/when the pipes get wet, the wrapping gets moldy. I was also told a better option is to have them ceramically coated. | ||
| Rick_a |
I haven't had any brand header wrap last for more than 2 years. It becomes very brittle especially if it gets wet often. I've never seen mold develop. As far as claims of power gains...I haven't seen anything on the dyno confirming that. The theory is there...but it's just not very effective. It does keep those surrounding bike parts and leg cool, though! | ||
| Rick_a |
I overlap a minimum of 1/4". That's all you really need. |
