Has anyone used e-coating for headers?

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1969GTS340

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Hi All, I just picked up a used set of bare Dougs headers for my 69 GTS 340.
I'm evaluating my options for coating them which would include e-coating.
I have access to an e-coat system at the company I work for so cost is not a factor
if decide to go in this direction. I'm mainly wanting to know if anyone else has tried this
method and could share their experience?
 
E coat isn't heat resistant is it?
 
It is heat cured much like powder coat. But I don't know it's temp range. I believe the curing temp is around 400.
 
It is heat cured much like powder coat. But I don't know it's temp range. I believe the curing temp is around 400.

Manifolds/headers go from 550 degrees to 750 degrees (sometimes more depending on conditions like drag racing or extended high speed).

treblig
 
Manifolds/headers go from 550 degrees to 750 degrees (sometimes more depending on conditions like drag racing or extended high speed).

treblig

I was hoping to hear that the higher temps would only improve the performance of the e-coat
but I just found this article and is appears to be just the opposite.



Q. What are the temperature limitations for electrocoated parts and products? K.L.

A. Electrocoat is a technology that uses organic resins, and organic and inorganic pigments during formulation of the coatings. The organic components used have temperature limitations specific to their chemical composition or chemical family (i.e., epoxy, acrylic, etc.). To properly determine the temperature limitations of your electrocoated products, we first need to define the duration of exposure. Typical electrocoats can support continuous high temperature exposures in the range of 430–450°F without any significant film degradation, and without any negative effects on film resistance or performance. At higher temperatures, the electrocoat film gets harder as the unreacted polymer from the previous electrocoat cure completes its crosslinking and cure.

As the temperature increases to 475–525°F, the organic resins and components start smoking heavily and the remaining film loses chemical resistance.

As temperature increases above 550°F, the film starts burning slowly, loses thickness rapidly, and loses all physical and corrosion properties.

Above 750°F, the electrocoat film will burn to the point of disappearance.

Although there have been some attempts to formulate electrocoats with additives to increase temperature resistance in an effort to eliminate heat shielding parts exposed to high temperatures from automotive exhaust pipes and systems, this has not been approved for operational use.
 
I was hoping to hear that the higher temps would only improve the performance of the e-coat
but I just found this article and is appears to be just the opposite.



Q. What are the temperature limitations for electrocoated parts and products? K.L.

A. Electrocoat is a technology that uses organic resins, and organic and inorganic pigments during formulation of the coatings. The organic components used have temperature limitations specific to their chemical composition or chemical family (i.e., epoxy, acrylic, etc.). To properly determine the temperature limitations of your electrocoated products, we first need to define the duration of exposure. Typical electrocoats can support continuous high temperature exposures in the range of 430–450°F without any significant film degradation, and without any negative effects on film resistance or performance. At higher temperatures, the electrocoat film gets harder as the unreacted polymer from the previous electrocoat cure completes its crosslinking and cure.

As the temperature increases to 475–525°F, the organic resins and components start smoking heavily and the remaining film loses chemical resistance.

As temperature increases above 550°F, the film starts burning slowly, loses thickness rapidly, and loses all physical and corrosion properties.

Above 750°F, the electrocoat film will burn to the point of disappearance.

Although there have been some attempts to formulate electrocoats with additives to increase temperature resistance in an effort to eliminate heat shielding parts exposed to high temperatures from automotive exhaust pipes and systems, this has not been approved for operational use.

I'm having my headers ceramic coated....................

http://www.prismpowdercoat.com/cermakrome.html
 
You do know that you can ceramic coat in your own garage and save yourself a lot of money?
 
You do know that you can ceramic coat in your own garage and save yourself a lot of money?

Yes. I will probably ceramic coat the headers instead. I was curious about the e-coat since
it looks so good on all the BMW suspension parts we coat at work and it was free :)
 
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