How to protect my tubular exhaust manifold?

[300bhp/ton]

Way back in 2001 I bought some mild steel tubular exhaust manifolds for my TR7 V8. There are no longer available in this spec, is there anyway I can protect them?

I'm currently taking them off the car for some engine out work. Are there any coatings or products worth using to try and keep them usable for as long as possible?

Thanks.

[andyiley]

You could try some hycote (I think) Very High Temperature paint, I have used it before but I never kept the cars that long, so am not sure if it is long enough lived unfortunately.

Alternatively ceramic coating is the way forward, although VERY brittle, so care is required on re-assembly, and also expensive.

Demon Tweeks do - Techline Cermakrome paint, once again how good it is, I do not know, but if it lives up to it's claims it should do the job.

[300bhp/ton]

Cheers. I did wondered if it's possible to aluminiumise them or similar. They still seem ok, although have surface rust on them due to 12 years worth of use. So don't know if this would prevent certain coatings.

[andyiley]

I suspect to ensure the best longevity possible a coat of light sand/bead blasting would be a good starting point also, to remove any rust that has started to take hold.

[stevieturbo]

Dont think they can do ceramic until they are completely spotless bare metal anyway ?

SO would need blasted or acid dipped or something.

[blitzracing]

I had mild steel manifolds sprayed with molten aluminium, and its lasted 20 years so far but I cant find the company that did it now- it was called something like Northampton Metal proofing, but someone out there must know the process. Otherwise I really like the VHT Aluminium paint dome by Autotek, it has a very high metal content so goes on fairly thickly an d is not porus, unlike the useless coloured VHT paints.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VHT-spray-paint-aluminiu...

[timf]

http://www.zircotec.com/page/classic_cars/14