Hedman Headers For 258 Paint Question

Just purchased a rebuilt engine that came with a set of Hedman headers. Instructions at Summit Racing says paint should be stripped and high heat paint applied. If I do nothing will the headers just rust? Trying to determine if it is worth the pain of removing the headers and painting them.

 

Even high heat paint will deteriorate. If you’re only driving minimal, like weekend drives, then high heat paint will be ok for a while. Ceramic coating is the best.
JMO

 

I painted my stuff with the high heat paint and it still rusts.

 

I have had pretty good luck with Eastwood manifold gray paint.

 

Even if paint lasts it doesnt protect the inside. So they'll still rust. Professional ceramic coating on clean metal will last, but can they get inside clean enough? New headers can be coated inside and out.

Header wrap is the best way to ruin headers. They hold moisture, and they also prevent heater metal from shedding heat. They make the header metal run MUCH hotter so will erode/burn away.

 

The '81-up iron manifold for the 258 is much smoother than the previous type. It also comes with a pretty nice 2V aluminum intake. Iron exhaust manifolds are cooler, quieter, more durable and stronger than race-car tech tubing headers. The 258 head is not the best option for a 258 anyway, and the 4.0L HO engine comes from the factory with a stainless (?) tubing header. I suspect it would not be difficult to sell some new-in-box Hedman headers. Just sayin' ...

 

I sandblasted mind and painted with high heat. 3 months and 700 miles later it's flaking off in a few places. Still looks good for the most part.

 

In my experience, like anything, the separation is in the preparation. I painted the headers I got for my truck in ‘08. I prepped the surfaces with a wire wheel. 11 years later, the only spots showing rust are the spots I couldn’t reach (should’ve sandblasted those spots). The rest is faded and discolored, but still clear of rust.

 

I tried several different high temp paint with no success and finally went to ceramic coating. It’s held up nicely.

 

I have steel headman headers, they will eventually rust inside and out. High heat paint will last for a bit but eventually the heating and cooling cycle will let it flake. Ceramic is good. Not sure what it would cost. Headers go for about $250-$300.

 

Jet Hot ceramic coating! Never rust, coated inside and reduce under hood temperature.

Expensive but worth every penny.....