Topic: Header chrome performance query

[exponent]

I had a curious question and maybe someone knew an answer. Does the chrome plating on 550/750 headers affect performance? Does it mitigate or help control heat? I've no ideas I don't know the chemistry or thermodynamics of chrome.

Wondering this partly because I wire brushed some of the chrome off my headers on accident and have been thinking of getting them redone.

[Don R]

 These days re-chroming usually costs more than new headers. I think chrome is usually more for aesthetics than performance. My new pipes get coated with eastwood interior header coatings, mostly for corrosion control but I think it protects the chrome as well. 
 I'd take a look at Stainless steel headers if yours begin to look worse than you want.

[newday777]

Most chrome platers won't rechrome pipes because of the oils in side the pipes from exhaust deposits which will contaminate the batch.

Chrome is for looks.
The Honda stock headers came double walled to help prevent blued pipes.
Most aftermarket pipes are single wall pipes.

[Tracksnblades1]

I had a curious question and maybe someone knew an answer. Does the chrome plating on 550/750 headers affect performance? Does it mitigate or help control heat? I've no ideas I don't know the chemistry or thermodynamics of chrome.

Wondering this partly because I wire brushed some of the chrome off my headers on accident and have been thinking of getting them redone.

Good question,

The engineering hand book shows chominum has a heat coefficient of 70-80 dependent on temperature 71.3@ 991*
and 80@ 621*.  Where as carbon steel has a heat coefficient of 54 and they don’t show any different coefficients for temperature changes.. Copper having a heat coefficient of 383 @ 621*, and aluminum has a heat coefficient of 232 @ 621*,
for some examples of some metals that can really conduct heat always..

Looks like chrome helps conduct heat faster than just plain carbon steel..  cast iron has a coefficient of 54.7@ 621*….

Like others have said…. May not see any big HP with either type Dyno you use…

[exponent]

I had a curious question and maybe someone knew an answer. Does the chrome plating on 550/750 headers affect performance? Does it mitigate or help control heat? I've no ideas I don't know the chemistry or thermodynamics of chrome.

Wondering this partly because I wire brushed some of the chrome off my headers on accident and have been thinking of getting them redone.

Good question,

The engineering hand book shows chominum has a heat coefficient of 70-80 dependent on temperature 71.3@ 991*
and 80@ 621*.  Where as carbon steel has a heat coefficient of 54 and they don’t show any different coefficients for temperature changes.. Copper having a heat coefficient of 383 @ 621*, and aluminum has a heat coefficient of 232 @ 621*,
for some examples of some metals that can really conduct heat always..

Looks like chrome helps conduct heat faster than just plain carbon steel..  cast iron has a coefficient of 54.7@ 621*….

Like others have said…. May not see any big HP with either type Dyno you use…

Thanks this is interesting! Guessing I'll leave them as is

[C317414]

I had a curious question and maybe someone knew an answer. Does the chrome plating on 550/750 headers affect performance? Does it mitigate or help control heat? I've no ideas I don't know the chemistry or thermodynamics of chrome.

Wondering this partly because I wire brushed some of the chrome off my headers on accident and have been thinking of getting them redone.

Good question,

The engineering hand book shows chominum has a heat coefficient of 70-80 dependent on temperature 71.3@ 991*
and 80@ 621*.  Where as carbon steel has a heat coefficient of 54 and they don’t show any different coefficients for temperature changes.. Copper having a heat coefficient of 383 @ 621*, and aluminum has a heat coefficient of 232 @ 621*,
for some examples of some metals that can really conduct heat always..

Looks like chrome helps conduct heat faster than just plain carbon steel..  cast iron has a coefficient of 54.7@ 621*….

Like others have said…. May not see any big HP with either type Dyno you use…

Thanks this is interesting! Guessing I'll leave them as is

Decorative chrome usually has three layers over the original metal substrate: copper, nickel, and chromium.  The thicknesses are so small, that the effect on heat transfer is insignificant. 

[Flyin900]

I have had a variety of old exhaust systems rechromed on high level builds and the shop I use will chrome used pipes. As previously noted the pipes will contaminate the tanks if left exposed. The plater I use designs plugs to seal the system to prevent that happening.

That said a few systems ago one of my exhausts let go of the plug in his tank and destroyed the tank chemicals with contanimates. With the eye watering prices he charges I'm sure all was good.

It's hard now to find anyone who replates for cheap anymore, because of the environmental laws etc.

[Stev-o]

Most chrome platers won't rechrome pipes...

I've had exhaust re-chomed, was not cheap or quick. Chrome wont get you home!

[newday777]

Most chrome platers won't rechrome pipes...

I've had exhaust re-chomed, was not cheap or quick. !

How recently? What shop and where?

[MauiK3]

There is a chrome shop in SoCal, if you need the contact I’ll look it up.
Expensive but very nice work.

[Tracksnblades1]

I had a curious question and maybe someone knew an answer. Does the chrome plating on 550/750 headers affect performance? Does it mitigate or help control heat? I've no ideas I don't know the chemistry or thermodynamics of chrome.

Wondering this partly because I wire brushed some of the chrome off my headers on accident and have been thinking of getting them redone.

Good question,

The engineering hand book shows chominum has a heat coefficient of 70-80 dependent on temperature 71.3@ 991*
and 80@ 621*.  Where as carbon steel has a heat coefficient of 54 and they don’t show any different coefficients for temperature changes.. Copper having a heat coefficient of 383 @ 621*, and aluminum has a heat coefficient of 232 @ 621*,
for some examples of some metals that can really conduct heat always..

Looks like chrome helps conduct heat faster than just plain carbon steel..  cast iron has a coefficient of 54.7@ 621*….

Like others have said…. May not see any big HP with either type Dyno you use…

Thanks this is interesting! Guessing I'll leave them as is

Decorative chrome usually has three layers over the original metal substrate: copper, nickel, and chromium.  The thicknesses are so small, that the effect on heat transfer is insignificant.

I’m glad you included the last sentence in my post… 😁

Carry on….😁    You must…😁

[MRieck]

Jet Hot silver.

[PeWe]

Jet Hot silver.

I could not resist to search.
Lots of hits and nice photos.

www.jet-hot.com
Look good!

[Stev-o]

Most chrome platers won't rechrome pipes...

I've had exhaust re-chomed, was not cheap or quick. !

How recently? What shop and where?

Two years ago, Kawasaki pipes [3].  Cen Tex Plating in Austin...David is the owner.

https://centexplating.com/

[MRieck]

Jet Hot silver.

I could not resist to search.
Lots of hits and nice photos.

www.jet-hot.com
Look good!

You can coat the outside and inside. Pipes cool down very quickly.....nice if you have to work on the engine after running it.

[newday777]

Jet Hot silver.

I could not resist to search.
Lots of hits and nice photos.

www.jet-hot.com
Look good!

You can coat the outside and inside. Pipes cool down very quickly.....nice if you have to work on the engine after running it.

Is that a do it yourself product or do you send the exhaust to their shop?