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Just had long-tube headers installed, with the headers Cerakote coated before install to help keep heat under control. Car sounds and runs great, but one thing has been on my mind since getting it back.
The engine mount heat shields and steering column heat shield would not fit back on after the header install.
For those running long-tubes on these cars:
Were you able to reinstall those heat shields?
If not, did you trim/reshape them, add DEI or another heat barrier, or just leave them off?
Any long-term issues with motor mounts, steering shaft, or surrounding heat?
I know LTH come with compromises, just trying to understand what’s typical here and whether there’s a known trick to getting those shields back in. Since the headers are Cerakote coated, I’m hoping that helps enough with radiant heat, but I’d like to hear what others have actually experienced long-term.
With my MBH headers had no issue with engine mount headshields but the steering shaft one we had to reshape it, you need all the protection you can get under the hood as standard they run hot and with headers they are alot worse.
Just to let you know too the cerakote hardly does anything for heat at all, numerous tests have been done on video showing this. The only true protection for headers are coatings that have zirconia. In the US the only people that offer this are Zircotec and Swain Tech. The same coatings they use in F1, touring cars and hypercars.
Cerokote is applied with a spray gun or aerosol which will do nothing for heat. Zirconia is applied fed into a flame and turns into molten rock. More indepth info is on google.
@Phil_T, thanks for the heads up. I definitely agree that a lot of the basic "aesthetic" coatings don't do much for heat.
However, I had these done by a well known local shop that does a full internal and external thermal barrier, not just a cosmetic exterior spray. It’s designed specifically for high-temp exhaust management, so I’m hoping that dual-layer heavy duty protection buys me some headroom compared to a standard finish.
That said, I’m not taking chances with the mounts. I’m going to take your advice and reshape the steering shaft shield. For the engine mount shields, did you find that you had to bend the mounting, or was it purely about clearing the "cup" area near the tubes?
I’m hoping to find a shop nearby that’s actually done this before and won't just tell me it doesn't fit. Did you do yours yourself?
@Phil_T, thanks for the heads up. I definitely agree that a lot of the basic "aesthetic" coatings don't do much for heat.
However, I had these done by a well known local shop that does a full internal and external thermal barrier, not just a cosmetic exterior spray. It’s designed specifically for high-temp exhaust management, so I’m hoping that dual-layer heavy duty protection buys me some headroom compared to a standard finish.
That said, I’m not taking chances with the mounts. I’m going to take your advice and reshape the steering shaft shield. For the engine mount shields, did you find that you had to bend the mounting, or was it purely about clearing the "cup" area near the tubes?
I’m hoping to find a shop nearby that’s actually done this before and won't just tell me it doesn't fit. Did you do yours yourself?
Unfortunately non of them will work unless it’s zirconia and the process used. I did alot of research before I had mine done. I didn’t want to have to take the headers out again after using a product that didn’t work.
I was there while they fitted them, No issues at all with the engine mount shields but just use a pry bar on them.
The steering shaft we had to take off and make the opening larger, it bends pretty easy, it didn’t need much. It was near some of the header piping.
2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
When I installed the MBH LTH on my car I was able to remove the engine mount heat shields replacing the bolts just to be safe then install the headers and then remove the engine mount bolts and reinstall the engine mount heat shields and bolts. Not sure about your headers but since they are tri-y as well you should be good to do it either way.
I was actually already looking into the Creative Steel mounts, so it’s good to hear you’re happy with them. I’ll definitely be going that route to handle the extra soak from the headers.
I’m reaching out to a few local shops now to see if they can execute the plan Mort and Phil suggested. I know it’s going to require some patience and custom clearancing to get those shields back in, but I’d rather put in the time for a custom solution than half-*** the heat management.
Thanks for the reference to your build thread, exactly what I needed to see.
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