The Best Header Wrap to Buy in 2022
You might perhaps be wondering how important head wraps are. Well, these products have a wide range of benefits that go beyond just being cosmetic. When it comes to heat management of your car’s exhaust system, look no further than the best header wrap.
Any car enthusiast like you would really like to make their vehicle a worthy investment. This is only possible if you have your most valuable possession in its best form. For quite a long time, many people thought that it was an unnecessary expense to own a header wrap.
But with time, the importance of header wraps got known. Apart from the performance and heat management, the header wrap is likely to protect you from injuries such as burns from the exhaust system.
Benefits of The Header Wrap
Tools Needed and Installation Process and How to Install The Header Wrap
There are the tools that will help you succeed in installing your header wrap: flathead screwdriver, water, metal clippers, squirt bottle, scissors and a pair of gloves.
You should make the wrap wet before installing it. A lot of carefulness is required when making the wrap wet. You are just required to roll it under some small stream of water. Submerging or soaking it in a bucket is not advisable.
Some header wrap models are designed with some special coating that can be removed through the use of too much water. A soaked wrap will really be difficult to install; it will actually be so messy.
In the process of running the header wrap under the water, make sure that you squeeze it until it becomes soft in entirety. Make sure there are no hard spots anywhere on the roll. A squirt bottle full of water should be close to you as you do the installation. This is so that in case it begins to dry out before you are done, you can spray some water on the dry areas.
What Next After a Successful Installation?
Once you are done installing the header wrap, apply some silicone coating. The case is however different when using mild-steel headers. In that case, the coating should be applied before wrapping. The reason as to why this is done is to seal the headers from any moisture that could have been trapped underneath the wrap.
My experience with many people who have use wraps reveals that they in one way or another ruined their headers. Well, it is possible to undergo the same fate if you fail to use silicone to seal them. I have warned you in advance. Why should I watch as your ride is getting damaged?
Features to Consider When Shopping for The Best Header Wrap
You probably want to narrow down to the best product currently available in the market. And why should you buy a header wrap just for the sake of buying one?
Your ride needs the best materials and not any other thing that you come across.
To simplify everything for you, here are some of the key properties you can always look out for before making any purchase:
1. Material of construction
I would without any doubt say that this is the most important feature to look out for. Most header wraps are either made of fiberglass or basalt (titanium, lava rock and carbon fiber) materials. Depending on the type of material used, the wraps differ in terms of performance.
a. Fiberglass Materials
Most manufacturers are currently using fiberglass to make exhaust wraps. They are glass strands that have been woven together to create an interlocking tape. Any premium grade fiberglass (100%) which is untreated always has a standard temperature rating that doesn’t exceed 10000F.
Any fiberglass cannot withstand temperatures beyond this limit. However, with technological advancements, there are some forms of treatments that can be done on fiberglass to extend the temperature rating to up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit or even more.
Such treatments are always known as vermiculite coatings. There are currently some firms that create their own proprietary coatings for the purposes of extending temperature ranges. If you love colors, then be aware that most fiberglass wraps are sold in black and white colors with some sellers offering some colors as well.
But most of these color dyes are not temperature rated alongside the wrap. That is why they are likely to fade under operations close to the maximum limits. The color worn by the wrap after fading depends on the initial color of the product.
What you really need to take note of while purchasing a header wrap made of fiberglass material is the quality of its base. And not all wraps made of fiberglass sell at the same price. If it is cheaper, know that it might wear and tear faster than expected.
b. Basalt Materials
As mentioned above, basalt materials include titanium, lava or volcano rock and carbon fiber among others. Basalt is generally a pulverized volcanic material that has been designed into a fibrous material. It is this basalt that is woven into a product capable of offering heat protection.
Take note that these materials are made from neither carbon nor titanium fiber; this is just a trade name. Basalt header wraps have their base ratings at 1500 degrees Fahrenheit of direct heat as well as 1800oF of intermittent heat.
Just like is the case with fiberglass material, the coating can be done on basalt as well to obtain higher temperature rating. 100% basalt is dark copper or bronze in color. This is basically the volcanic materials’ color.
These materials do not need any dyeing since their temperature ratings are much higher. Dyes that can match these temperatures are hard to get in the first place. Be wary of lava wraps that are claimed to be available in different colors; they are a hoax.
Again, the quality of the base material is what you are interested in. You get what your pocket can afford.
2. Size of the header wrap
What is the size of your exhaust system? Knowing this is what will enable you to buy a header wrap that will be sufficient for the system. It is common practice to make sure that the entire system gets covered without exclusion of other parts.
The package you are likely to choose should be able to meet your needs. Having considered this, you won’t need to make another purchase, therefore, helping you save some little cash. I haven’t come across anybody who doesn’t want to save; are you the only exception in this area? I don’t think so. The size here refers to both the width and length of the wrap.
3. Ease of installation
Installation of header wraps is some simple tasks that do need any helping hand. But that is not the case when it comes to all header wraps. Some are very difficult and complicated to set up.
A user-friendly wrap goes a long way in making its installation simpler and quicker. How are you able to distinguish between these two kinds of products? It is very simple. Just go through the user manual to ascertain if the procedure is something that you can perform on your own.
In case you are not aware of a certain procedure, please consult with the manufacturer or seller to make sure that you do not expose your ride to some external damage.
4. Performance
Performance is another critical consideration you should make before purchasing any header wraps. Remember that proper performance of your car solely depends on the ability of this wrap to manage extreme temperatures.
That is the only way through which your exhaust system will be offered the highest level of protection. Always go for wraps that can handle temperatures of between 1000 and 2000 degrees Fahrenheit whether direct or intermittent heat.
And who really wants to invest in something that won’t perform? Performance is the main reason that you have settled on the header wrap. Not anything else.
5. Header pipe construction
Don’t ever assume that all headers are made of the same materials and in the same design. You will have got it wrong. Some are single tubes that are made of high-temperature steel.
Such designs are simple constructions, but they are often associated with drawbacks such as discoloration as a result of hot gases from the exhaust. They also become too hot quickly which can cause accidental burns. Such designs could not be chrome plated due to the heat.
There are other designs that feature two exhaust pipes. Remember the needs of double exhaust pipes can never be the same to that of single exhaust pipes.
Extra Useful Information Before Buying a Header Wrap
Having gone through the features to look for in the best header wrap, it is important to carry out your own research and make a decision based on what is likely to meet your needs. It is your responsibility to ensure that the product is properly installed for use.
It is of great importance to look at what other users have to say about the product. Their reviews will enable you to narrow down to the possibilities based on real experiences from users.
Do not in any way wrap titanium headers or headers that are coated with ceramic. Doing that shortens their service lives drastically. Don’t be surprised if you note some slight differences in the sizes of steel and titanium headers.
Titanium headers are much thinner for quicker dissipation of heat. The thinness also places them at higher risks of cracking when covered with a header wrap.
The Best Header Wrap: Product Review
Image | Product Name | Price | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $ | 82 /100 | ||
 | $ | 95 /100 | ||
 | $ | 92 /100 | ||
 | $ | 95 /100 | ||
 | $ | 88 /100 |
Here are the 5 products that ranked highly on our list and could be of great help to you. Take a look at their brief descriptions, features, merits, and demerits and be the judge on which one suits you. We’ve made the struggle look simpler; don’t you think so?
Here we go:
1. LIBERRWAY Titanium Exhaust Wrap
Overview
LIBBERWAY Titanium Exhaust Wrap is a versatile one that can be used in both automotive and motorcycle applications. If you want to improve your motorcycle’s or car’s performance, then it is one good product to consider.
This header wrap is highly resistant to oil spills, abrasions and will rarely breakdown due to excessively high temperatures or even vibrations. This product will improve the performance of your car or motorcycle by reducing the heat under the hood by approximately 50%.
It is accompanied with a warranty of one year. This product should not be folded. It is available in packages of single or double rolls. You are the one in a better position to know the amount of this product that will work for you. What’s more, it only weighs 4.45 pounds and comes with 20 pieces of locking ties made using stainless steel.
Via Amazon.com
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2. SunplusTrade Black Exhaust Wrap
Overview
SunplusTrade Exhaust Wrap is another good one on our list that will help you in the reduction of temperatures to lower sustainable levels in your car or motorcycle. It is designed with universal fitment characteristic that enables it to fit in any kind of car or motorcycle.
It doesn’t matter whether you have used it in a car or a motorcycle, what is for sure is that you will be impressed with its outcomes. Its excellent aesthetics give it an upper hand when it comes to temperature reduction. It is also capable of reducing the heat under the hood by about 50%.
What’s more, it can withstand 1400 F of direct heat and about 2000F of radiant heat. Buoyed by its affordability, this is a header wrap that is worth considering as well. It is easy on your wallet. Its installation is even easier to the extent that even beginners can accomplish it in the least amount of time possible.
Via Amazon.com
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3. ARTR Titanium Exhaust Header Wrap
ARTR Titanium Exhaust Header Wrap is a masterpiece made from lava rock that has undergone crushing. This makes it a very good performer compared to the colored insulation wraps that are cheap and are mostly aftermarket products.
In its process of improving performance, it increases flow and in the process vibration breakdown and temperature is reduced. During its installation, it is recommended to have water that will be used for soaking the wraps.
Gloves should be with you as well as already mentioned earlier. You don’t want to have your hands itchy after you are done installing something of great importance like this. It actually doesn’t cost much. It is something you can get anytime you need to.
If you realize that it smokes during the early cycles of its installation, there is absolutely no reason to worry about. Its wide area of applications makes its use in automotive and motorcycle possible. It is also worth noting that it can withstand temperatures of up to 1800F together with an intermittent heat of 2500F.
Via Amazon.com
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4. LEDAUT Titanium Exhaust Header Wrap
Overview
LEDAUT Header Wrap is another effective way of improving your car’s performance by keeping the engine’s temperature down. This is because it is capable of reducing the heat under your car’s hood by up to around 50%. Being that it is made from volcanic rock that has been crushed helps in heat management. The heat effects are therefore minimized on the engine and exhaust system.
The material is also known to reduce the speed of degradation by being resistant to any form of external damage. The header wrap does not fold but is relatively affordable. If you want this product to fit tightly, it is recommended that you soak it in water.
What’s more, this header wrap is also resistant to oil spills, breakdowns due to vibrations and excessive temperatures and even abrasions. It also comes with a pack of eight stainless steel ties that are eight inches each. This header wrap weighs only 2.05 pounds and will take good care of your car.
Via Amazon.com
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5. HM&FC Exhaust Header Wrap
Overview
HM&FC Header Wrap is the last but not least product on our list. Its installation is quick and easy. One roll is enough to wrap a single medium header completely. It helps in improving your car’s horsepower by reducing temperatures under the hood.
Additionally, it protects most of the engine components against burns. And by increasing the efficiency of your vehicle, your wallet will have been automatically protected. Your engine’s life will have been extended in the process.
This header wrap is also great for hiding bluing, ugly pipes and weld lines on custom-made or older pipes. The exhaust wrap is very durable and generally easy to use. What’s more, it also comes with around six zip ties made of stainless steel. It is also worth noting that his header is very durable and easy to work with.
Via Amazon.com
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Conclusion
How a car has been maintained together with its performance has always been used to tell more about the owner. The worth of a vehicle is only gauged by how it can perform. And to make sure that your ride maintains its best form; regular maintenance, especially on areas that have a direct impact on the engine is very critical.
One way to achieve this is through using the ARTR Titanium Exhaust Header Wrap as the best header wrap. This product is capable of withstanding very high temperatures of up to 1800 and 2500 degrees Fahrenheit of direct and intermittent heat respectively. Besides improving your engine’s performance, it also protects against any accidental burns.
This product has always been my thing for the last three years, and it never disappoints. It is always available in sufficient measure with basically less to worry about in terms of installation. And it is relatively affordable. What could you be looking for if not this product? Here is the good news you’ve been waiting for this year.
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