MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Headers

I can't put off buying them for much longer, so I have to figure out what I'm looking for.

I do know that I want RV8 style headers (added engine bay ventilation, doesn't cook the starter motor, plus among other things they look cool).

However, I'm unsure of a few things that are key.

First of all, stainless, or ceramic coated steel?
Price aside, what are the pros and cons of the two? I know that when done properly, the ceramic coating can contain some of the exhaust temperatures to the system itself, thereby reducing the engine bay temperatures, but is it enough to make a noticable difference? And is it worth it against the fact that the coating marks easily (fingerprints and such) and I'm assuming can be chipped and damaged during removal of the headers (clutch will die eventually, which means headers have to come off to get engine out). I'm assuming one wouldn't have to worry about markings and chips on stainless, but do will it cause problems with heat? Is the main purpose behind stainless headers the fact that they don't corrode? I would expect that corrosion wouldn't be something to worry about with ceramic coating anyways, so does that cancel the advantage of stainless?

In terms of suppliers, what recommendations do those of you who have gone before have for North American suppliers?

Any input is greatly appreciated, as you can see I'm in a bit of a confusing spot with the subject at the moment.

Anthony.
Anthony Morgan

Anthony

I have ceramic coated block hugger headers, coated by a company out in Delta.
When it came time to install the ceramic coated headers into the car, they were a little tight to the steering pinion. I contacted the company and asked if the coating would crack if I hit it with a hammer to slightly bend the header so it would clear the pinion. The answer was that I could actually beat the metal flat and it still wouldn’t crack because it is chemically bonded with the original metal. I didn’t have to re-shape it that much but a few hits with the hammer didn’t hurt the coating at all.
I have had the engine in and out several times and have never chipped the coating and never had any problems with the coating becoming marked.
The headers are suppose to lower the temperature by 30+% and cool to the touch in about 10 min and is available in several colours.
If you want the companies name and number let me know.

Bruce

Bruce Mills

Anthony,

I had my RV8 headers coated at the same place as Bruce and though I don't have a lot of miles on my project, they do seem to keep the temps down. I have had some small scratches occur during an engine pull (gotta be more careful next time) but no cracking.

I purchased my headers from Martyn Harvey in Waterloo, ON who gets his parts from Clive Wheatley in the UK. Martyn's site is:

http://www.mgbexperience.com/ca-mgbv8/body.htm

Cost of the headers, a SS system and hardware was $1620. Coating cost me $150.

I don't know much about SS headers but would think the heat may discolour them. Doesn't happen with coated units.

If you'd like to see pictures of my set-up, contact me off-site.

HTH
Simon
Simon Austin

Thanks guys.

I may aswell get the name of the place off Simon if he's goin to email me Bruce, but thanks.

Anthony
Anthony Morgan

Anthony, email me for header info.

Martyn
Martyn Harvey

Anthony, I used the same coater you are likely being advised about (Kool Kote - Port Kells) and have been very happy with the results. I made headers from existing SBF mild steel headers and rearranged them to suit the engine bay and exit from the rear corners of the inner guards. All in mild steel but the coating on the inner and outer surfaces seems to really work in reducing heat transmission to the engine bay. Nearby components have not suffered any heat damage to this point - one years use. The coating is also very durable relative to damage while attaching and removing the headers. Due to the coating being applied to both inner and outer surfaces, the advantage of stainless may also be largely eliminated. Bob.
Bob Elwin

Thanks Bob, I recall seeing yours last year, nice pieces of work they are.
Anthony Moragn

Recently bought a new mild steel set for my factory V8 so can anyone in the UK suggest where I can get these ceramic coated before I fit them?

Laurie Webb
75 factory V8 2190 Teal Blue
L Webb

I've a set of stainless RV8 headers that I mail ordered from clive wheatly in england. Well made and easy to fit. They came with a joining piece and associated pipework to connect locate the outlet in the standard MGB spot, under the RHS seat.So you can connect to your existing muffler etc. Cost 400 pounds. With the holes in the wheel arches there is no problem with over heating. However I initially believed that the stainless would stay shiny and bright, not so. It discolours to a smooth brownish blue-ish colour in about 10 minutes of use. So as far as looks go the ceramic looks better than the stainless and is unlikely to rust so if you can save money here it might be the better option. If I do another conversion I would probably try Adrian Ackhursts (AAA Automotive Adelaide Australia) mild steel ceramic coated extractors which are about the same price but a vastly supierior design. He was selling them though RPI world wide at one stage. There is a picture of them in the archives somewhere.
Peter

Hi Anthony,
You might want to check these guys out for your headers. They are genuine Clive Wheatley items and their pricing is great !
http://www.performancebritish.com/products.php?id=11
Andrew
Andrew Moss

This thread was discussed between 06/02/2005 and 10/02/2005

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical BBS now