Advice on exaust header referb

[Overhere]

I have an exhaust leak, looks like it’s right in the middle of where the 4 pipes join the one big pipe. Fixing it means removal, cutting at the join and welding. If I have to do this I’d like to re-surface the headers at the same time. The previous owner sprayed the exhaust with silver spray paint and when I bought her they looked a dog’s dinner. I spent ages sanding and cleaning before I sprayed them with high temp silver paint.

It looked good for about 6 months and now it's pealing and flaking back to dog chow (see the pic in my profile). I've heard about powder coating, I've seen a web site that does ceramic coating and one dealer said they thought it would be better to sand blast them back to the SS finish and leave them like that.

The thing I worry about is longevity, if I just sand blast them I know the SS finish will eventually corrode, as far as ceramic, it's not cheap but may be worth it, but I've heard it chips if it's knocked, that would be a bummer to spend circa £500 and have a slipped spanned knock a chunk in it.

Thoughts and advice appreciated

[Meatball]

Ive had mine welded up twice now on the bright side its a good excuse to take the pre cats out.
If they go again im treating myself to some ACT jobbies

[thenick]

Just go straight for the ACT replacements... They look the dogs dangelies and sound fantastic - a few extra ponies in there as well i'm told!

[spend]

Overhere said:

..that would be a bummer to spend circa £500...

I bought a spare st of manifolds, had JP change the flanges & check, then ceramic coated inside & out (2 Y pieces). The total cost was far less than £500

Call Cam-U-Coat & see how much they charge. JP also have all the flanges & jigs to ensure your manifolds are refurbished to as new.

Dave

[clive f]

if you call Tim at Act, he can get them cam coated cheaper than you can get them done at cam coat yourself.

had mine done last year along with the y piece and total bill about £320 `ish.

[Overhere]

Thanks for the relpies! New Act or ceramic coat the existing. I'm thinking of going for ceramic because it should reduce the temp of the headers, and hence engine bay. What about durability of the ceramic coating?

Thanks again!

[clive f]

cam coating on mines been fine for about 18 months now

[spend]

3.5 years plus on mine, still OK.

Dave