Best Header Wrap: An Effective Way to Contain Heat
Many of you may not realize how vital a header wrap is. It provides more than cosmetic benefits. In a nutshell, it helps manage the heat in the exhaust system, which results in the better performance of your car. Its performance benefits will make it a worthy investment for any car enthusiast.
Unsure about what is the best header wrap that is available in the market? Clueless on what to buy? We’ll make your life a lot easier by sharing valuable insights in the rest of this post. You will learn more about the benefits of using header wraps, and more importantly, we’ll list down the top options that should be part of your list.
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What is a Header Wrap, and Why Do You Need It?
Many people may think that a header wrap is just an unnecessary expense. It is straightforward to make such an assumption if you are unaware of what it is and what it can do for your car or motorcycle. However, once you know its importance, you will realize that you will need it.
The wrapping of exhaust systems has been a common practice for many years, although it has also been a subject of many debates. For those who believe in its effectiveness, it is necessary not only in heat management and improving performance but also in preventing burns resulting from the exhaust system.
There are also cosmetic benefits that can be reaped from using the best header wrap. For this reason, you also need to consider the aesthetics and material of the wrap. This is especially important when the wrap will be used for motorcycles, as it will be obvious.
Temperature reduction is at the top of the list of the benefits one can enjoy from header wraps. When the heat is reduced, it can give way to other benefits, such as the improvement of the efficiency of the engine. It also offers protection from the external environment that could speed up wear and tear. This will also increase the horsepower of the engine.
The thermal energy will be retained in the exhaust system using the wrapper. Another benefit is the reduction of gas density. In turn, a scavenging effect will inevitably result in lower intake temperature and higher power. Again, the bottom line is that using the header wrap is an excellent way to improve the vehicle’s performance.
As a key takeaway from the discussions above, YES, you need a header wrap. Nonetheless, this does not mean you can choose any product and enjoy the same benefits.
Main Materials for Header Wrap
Not all exhaust wraps are created the same. They can differ in terms of their performance and functionality. This will depend on the brand and product that you will choose. Another thing that will have an impact on the outcomes would be the materials that are used. In this case, the following are some of the options worth considering:
- Fiberglass: This is the most common of the materials available for a header wrap. It is made from glass strands that are woven to form the wrap. If it is untreated, it can handle temperature that is up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, if it is treated, the maximum temperature it can take will be higher.
- Basalt: This is a group of materials that can include titanium, carbon fiber, and lava rock, among others. It is a pulverized material that is fibrous. It is treated to become solid. It can also be coated with different materials, making it possible to handle higher temperatures.
Essential Considerations in Choosing the Best Exhaust Wrap
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As you try to narrow down the possibilities, below are some of the most important things that you need to take into consideration:
- Material: Earlier, we discussed some of the most common available materials. It would be best if you exerted effort to determine the pros and cons of each material, which will be essential in deciding which is the best.
- Installation: You do not need a helping hand from the pros to complete the installation of the header wrap. Look for one that is user-friendly. See to it as well that the manufacturer provides comprehensive instructions.
- Performance: This is one of the critical considerations before making a purchase. You need to ensure that it will effectively manage extreme temperatures and provide the highest level of protection for the exhaust system. Most can handle temperatures from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on whether it is direct or radiant heat.
- Size: You also need to consider how much of an exhaust wrap will be required for the job. See that the package has more than enough to avoid purchasing another one.
- Feedback: After considering everything above, you will also have to read the reviews from other people. This will help you to narrow down the possibilities. Consider the experiences of real users to see how one product is different from the other.
Our Top Picks for the Best Header Wrap
Below are five of the products that you might want to consider. We’ll briefly tackle their notable features and pros and cons to convince you they are amongst the best.
1. Titanium RETECK Glass Fiber Header Wrap Kit
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Among other things, the material used in this header wrap is one of its best assets. It is made mainly from fiber material, which is the wrapper of the pulverized lava rock. The material of choice makes it versatile enough to deliver high effectiveness in all automobile applications.
Another good thing about this header wrap is that the material delivers high resistance to wear and tear. It has protection from external damages, such as those that heat, oil spills, vibration, and abrasion can cause.
Does it work? Of course! We are recommending this option if you want to see effective results. You can expect heat reduction by as much as 50%. As noted earlier, because of the benefits of using header wrap, it can improve your vehicle’s performance.
Pros:
- It comes with excellent stainless steel ties
- Heavy-duty construction
- Does not suffer from discoloration as a result of heat
Cons:
- Strands of fiberglass can get everywhere
- Installation can be quite tricky
Overall
This header wrap has premium construction, which lasts for a long time. It may not be the easiest to install, but it can guarantee effective heat reduction in your exhaust.
2. SunplusTrade Black Exhaust Heat Wrap Roll
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You can expect the best outcomes using this header wrap for cars or motorcycles. It is excellent in terms of aesthetics. More importantly, the ability to reduce heat is second to none.
One thing worth noting about this heat wrap is that it can withstand direct temperatures up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, it can withstand up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit for radiant heat. With this wrap, you can anticipate heat reduction by as much as 50%.
Lastly, this is also excellent in terms of versatility. You can expect universal it for this header wrap, making it useful in more ways than one.
Pros:
- Effortless installation, even for beginners
- It has a classic look
- Excellent stainless steel ties
Cons:
- It may be easily prone to discoloration
- Some might find it to be too thin
Overall
For a header wrap that is easy on the wallet, this should be on the top of your list. Beginners do not need to worry since its installation can be done in a snap. Regarding performance, expect heat reduction by as much as 50%.
3. LEDAUT Titanium Exhaust Heat Wrap
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This is another effective option in keeping the engine’s temperature down. The package is inclusive of eight packs of 2×50 titanium wraps. To add, there are also 8-inch stainless steel locking ties.
It is also important to note that the primary material used in the shield is crushed volcanic rock. This helps manage heat, ensuring that it minimizes its impact on the engine or the exhaust system. Such material is also resistant to external damages that could speed up degradation.
The exhaust wrap will be effective in managing radiant heat that is up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and direct heat that is up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
- Installation of the wrap can be accomplished quickly
- Made from a high-quality material
- There are zip ties with different lengths
- Offers a good mix of cost and performance
Cons:
- Frayed edges, possibly because of poor weaving
- It can produce a foul odor
Overall
With a shield made from crushed volcanic rock, this header wrap promises heat reduction by as much as 50%.
4. DEI 010127 Titanium Exhaust Wrap
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With this header wrap, it is possible to reduce intermittent heat by as much as 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. In the case of direct heat, on the other hand, it can withstand temperature that is up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The LR technology in the wrap is one more thing that deserves emphasis. The pulverized lava rock, the primary material, can demonstrate exceptional strength, guaranteeing long-term functionality.
It has an advanced carbon fiber look that gives it an excellent reputation in terms of cosmetics.
When it comes to installation, pre-wetting is unnecessary, which will shorten the required time. To add, there is also no need to use silicone coating.
Pros:
- Color stays excellent even after some time
- Wraps securely since the material is extremely pliable
- Significantly reduces breakdown due to vibration
- High resistance from external damages
Cons:
- It might quickly disintegrate after wrapping
Overall
This is another option you will love, made from excellent material and with the impressive ability to reduce heat. It can withstand high temperatures, and best of all, it is also great in terms of cosmetics.
5. DEI 010110 Exhaust Header Wrap
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This kit might be the one you’re looking for because it comes as a kit. It is complete with everything you need to complete the job.
One of the things included in the kit is the High-Temp Silicone Coating Spray, which helps to enhance the exhaust system’s performance. Locking ties and two rolls of 2×50 feet of wraps are also included.
With the use of this header wrap, you will enjoy not only cosmetic benefits but also significant performance improvement, as well as protection from external elements like road dirt and debris.
Pros:
- It comes in a kit complete with all the essentials
- Works as advertised
- Stays in good condition even after a long time
Cons:
- Minimal user reviews are available online
Overall
This kit might be a good option for those looking for all the parts that help get the job done. It has everything necessary to install the wrap, including a silicone coating spray.
Conclusion
The best header wrap is indeed necessary for improved performance and protection. What should you buy? If you ask for my suggestion, I would say that the DEI 010127 Titanium Exhaust Wrap stands out. It might be what you’re looking for since it seems good quality, so it may be worth buying.
Are you looking for other products? Click here and let our buying guides enlighten you on what to buy.
