Chromex ceramic coated exhaust w/pics

[Ptoneill]

I am putting together a custom Fiat so like most folks i am modifying the engine. I have extensive applications of powder coated parts and billet pulleys however I hit a wall when it came to the exhaust system. There are several very nice exhaust systems out there but after reading about different issues concerning heat, fitment and coating esthetics I went to my machinist. He is only doing a mild upgrade on the 1800 head that is going on the 2000cc block. He pointed out that the exhaust manifold that came on the 2000 was actually very good and that with the engine build I was putting in that the increase in output would be negligible with an aftermarket system. ( this will not be a track car )

I cut off the heat shield studs and sanded the visible part of the exhaust manifold.

So I did some research and found a local company called Performance Coatings. They bead blasted the manifold and down tube and applied a ceramic coating called Chromex. This coating is good up to 1300 deg F and has had very good reviews. Please not that it is not intended for Turbo or NOS applications because they often can exceed the temperature limits.

Here are some pictures.

The first one is before I did anything to the car, note the exhaust

[ClarkTheShark]

That is spectacular. I about to invest in some headers myself. I'm on my third pair (of headers) and I want to make sure the next set I get will outlast the car. The first two came from IAP (I think) and they were pretty much garbage.

So, how much prep work is required from your before you had it 'Chromexxed?'

Edit:

http://www.performancecoatings.com/index2.html

Wow this looks awesome.

[Martin124]

Noooo! That's something else I have to put on my "to do" list. They look great.

[Holshot]

That looks great! I've used that coating on many, many projects over the years. Unfortunately, it won't stay that pretty... After a few heat cycles it will dull and turn a flat gray color. It does however do a good job with keeping heat down.

[Ptoneill]

I really did not have to prep other than cutting the lugs for the shield off. I did sand the top to smooth the header out, the bottom I left un sanded. They bead blast it. I put some POR 15 marine clean in the down pipe to clean it out a little, there was no rust on the exterior.

Thanks, I have a few more pictures on the Photobucket link.

As for turning gray I was told this would not happen unless they were subjected to excessive heat.....we'll see, still would be better than the rusty steel look it had...,!!

Intake manifold is next!!

PS...$140 for the header, $140 for the pipe. ( pipe price is based off diameter and length)

[Holshot]

I should have been a little more specific on the applications I was referencing. These were all on very big HP (7/8/900hp) turbo cars so the heat was very excessive, lol... It may fair much better under Fiat heat conditions but they also said it would retain its finish under our extreme conditions so I can only wish you the best of luck because it is so pretty!

[So Cal Mark]

if your machinist thinks that stock manifold is as good as a set of headers, he must not have any experience with a well-designed header. If you look at our dyno sheets, our header is increasing hp 10% at peak, but 15% at 6000rpm and torque increases were 15% peak and 20% at 6000rpm. Those increases are over the manifold you have pictured

[Ptoneill]

Mark,

I am in no way trying to take a shot at headers. I am only relating to my car and set up. If I am lucky I will get 125 hp out of the build I am putting into the engine. I know I could get significantly more however I am keeping the automatic transmission with its rear end and I really don't want to push it. For my car the 12hp (10%) isn't worth the money investment (to me) for the top of the line headers, and I don't want to waste money on the poor quality ones like one gentleman commented on.

If I was to decide later on to build a more performance based car I would certainly look at performance grade headers along with pistons, cams and of course a double carb setup.

My machinist is Steve Hannaford, he owns Progressive Automotive in University Place WA. He is widely recognized as one of the best engine machinists in the region. I am putting his name here because I have mentioned him in other posts, again the advice he provided was for my car, my money and what I wanted the car to do.

[So Cal Mark]

the ceramic coating will stay shiny unless it's overheated. At 1100F it instantly dulls. If you have any ceramic coated exhaust parts that are dull, your engine is not tuned properly since the exhaust temp has reached 1100 or higher at least once. Nothing except good stainless will hold up to those temps

[v6spider]

Mark's header is a work of art... if I ever build up a twin cam..I will seriously think about buying Mark's header..


Cheers!
Rob

[davery]

Mark's header is a work of art... if I ever build up a twin cam..I will seriously think about buying Mark's header..



Cheers!
Rob

I love the look of Mark's header. But right now it is whether I buy his header or have 4th gear.

[v6spider]

4th gear is a must have!
Rob