Exhaust Headers

[markh]

Is it just me or does anybody else think the finish of the exhaust headers leave a lot to be desired especially when you take into account the quality and finish of the rest of the machine. I know they are single skinned stainless but mine have stained and almost look like they are rusting. The surface is not smooth as they have what I presume are marks over the surface due to the forming process. I was wondering if anyone has had theirs polished or coated with a high temp powder coating, or maybe just some advise on how to bring them back to their original finish would be appreciated.
Thanks. Markh

[Droptarotter]

The best way to eliminate the header problem is to install an Akro Ti pipe or one of Sandbar's systems.
It seems like you guys in the UK get a lot of nasty chemicals on the road.
There are quite a few tips on the BoxerTrix's website discussing how to clean up the pipes. Do a search there.

I also found this on the Pelican Forum;

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r...d-finally.html

Cheers

[markh]

Hi Bryan
Thanks for the info. The ceramic coating idea would solve the problem in one go. There is a company not too far from me that carry this type of coating service. I will go and see them and get a quote. In the meantime I will do a search on Boxertrix to check how others have cleaned theirs.
Thanks . Mark.

The best way to eliminate the header problem is to install an Akro Ti pipe or one of Sandbar's systems.
It seems like you guys in the UK get a lot of nasty chemicals on the road.
There are quite a few tips on the BoxerTrix's website discussing how to clean up the pipes. Do a search there.

I also found this on the Pelican Forum;

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r...d-finally.html

Cheers

[Phoinix]

You are not alone! after 10k my HP2 sport headers look really stained, brown rust like marks and streaks etc. I have had several BM's and with a bit of work have always managed to keep the standard stainless headers reasonable. All my cleaning techniques have failed miserably, Optiglanz works fine on the cat & tail section but doesn't touch the headers - read somewhere of someone that uses a scotchbrite wheel in an electric drill but haven't got around to trying it yet.

[markh]

Hi Dave I know what you mean I have tried everything I can think of to no avail. I found this company http://www.zircotec.com/page/-_performance_colours/47 but it does not provide a smooth finish which is what i'm after and not in a colour that would lend itself to the rest of the system. So the search continues

You are not alone! after 10k my HP2 sport headers look really stained, brown rust like marks and streaks etc. I have had several BM's and with a bit of work have always managed to keep the standard stainless headers reasonable. All my cleaning techniques have failed miserably, Optiglanz works fine on the cat & tail section but doesn't touch the headers - read somewhere of someone that uses a scotchbrite wheel in an electric drill but haven't got around to trying it yet.

[Phoinix]

Yes I am not taken with the ceramic coatings, blue heat spots and the gold sheen they had for the first year was fine - only consolation is any HP2 that's ridden on cruddy roads ends up like it - mate with a Diavel has similar problem.

[markh]

Found this company also. http://www.camcoat.com/main/colorguard/ Finish is a smooth one and they do it in a colour that will match the rest of the system. Hoping it may be cheaper as Zircotec quoted £330 plus VAT Need to get something done to the pipes as they are driving me to distraction every time I get on the bike. I wish they had been made the same way as my MegaMoto pipes ie double skinned and hard chromed. But I guess that would have been too heavy. Solve one problem and create another I guess.

Yes I am not taken with the ceramic coatings, blue heat spots and the gold sheen they had for the first year was fine - only consolation is any HP2 that's ridden on cruddy roads ends up like it - mate with a Diavel has similar problem.

[Droptarotter]

Mark;
If the coating is going to cost about L330(sorry, don't have the little squiggle), why not buy an exhaust system?
Check Sandbar Composites or Akro, but the Akro might cost you a divorce!

Sandbar.............http://www.sandbarcomposites.co.uk/d...category_id=14

Nigel is really good to deal with!
Cheers

[markh]

Bryan; I wouldn't pay that much for a coating to be honest and Sandbars headers are £1400 which is way too much to spend just to get over what is basically a cosmetic problem. I have dealt with Nigel before as I purchased the mirror conversion brackets from him as he only lives 3 miles from me. I must admit the exhausts on his website certainly look fabulous but a bit too rich for me.

Mark;
If the coating is going to cost about L330(sorry, don't have the little squiggle), why not buy an exhaust system?
Check Sandbar Composites or Akro, but the Akro might cost you a divorce!

Sandbar.............http://www.sandbarcomposites.co.uk/d...category_id=14

Nigel is really good to deal with!
Cheers

[nail24]

As long as you keep harsh cleaners away and don't melt your Kevlar pants leg (don't ask) on them, they seem to wear well. Don't make the mistake of trying to clean them with normal stuff like Blue Job etc.