Ceramic coatings on Exhaust Systems

I plan to have a Speedster built very soon, but question whether or not a ceramic-coated Bursch exhaust system would provide any benefits, other than keeping the system rust-free and maybe more pleasing esthetically. I phoned Jet-Hot coatings; they said that their Sterling coating covers the metal inside and outside the header and tail pipes and covers only the outside of the muffler itself. They said that the coated systems do not radiate heat as much as non-coated systems.

Being a non-owner at this point, I would appreciate any opinions as to whether or not I should fork out the extra bucks to buy the system already coated (a $275 option), have it coated by Jet-Hot later on, or just forget the whole coating thing altogether. I could find nothing in the Knowledge section.

Barry, The ceramic coating looks great and seems to keep things alittle cooler, but if you get any oil on them when there hot forget it, there shot. Unless someone has a idea to clean them up?

Gabe

I agree with Gabriel, it's better when it's ceramic coated especially if it's coated on the inside of the tubing too. That way, the efficiency of the system is maintained since rust doesn't form on the inside and it stays cooler too. Add that to the longevity of the system overall; it will last a long time.

I am still battling oil leaks and I have no problem getting burnt on oil off.
I use a fairly gritty rubbing compound and they come clean and bright. I love the ceramic coating.

It's $275 that could probably be much better spent on a decent set of seat belts - or maybe much better lighting.

Hmmmm?
Seat belts or ceramic coating, seat belts or ceramic coating...

Barry,
There are a number of advantages to ceramic coating for your exhaust system and $275 sounds like a fair price. I'm certain I paid that and more for mine. I made the mistake of getting the silver finish and as was pointed out, it can get a bit messy. I have had no problem cleaning the muffler. I've had more problems scuffing some finish off bottoming out from time to time.

Next system I buy would be ceramic coated in the black finish.

My word of caution would simply be that with a new car, even when you've attempted to do your homework in advance, changes come up.

I have gone through three or four exhaust systems in as many years...oh, and the high dollar unit I'm running now is bar-b-que rattle can black on the muffler and remains ceramic coated silver in all the intestine-like bendy parts.

I'd spend the extra $275 on stainless A-1 exhaust system and paint it with high temp black paint.
That way you won't have any rust issues, and if you scratch the paint, you can always touch it up.

I am awaiting a brochure from Jet-Hot coating. Their main company is in PA, but they have a shop in Tempe, AZ. I will report back to you when I find out what the color and price options are. If Bursch made a system in stainless for $275 extra, I would jump at the chance to spend the extra cash. Stainless lasts virtually forever and changes into a nice goldish color....at least on the stainless muffler setup I have on my present two-wheeler. Anyway, I'll get back to you ASAP.
Thanks for the input.

Barry, are there any Bursch systems available for VW engines? I know they have systems for different Porsche models, including 914's & 356's/912's but I didn't know they had them for VW's.

Our spyder has the exhaust (homemade in our garage) Jet-Coated here locally. It is the 3rd exhaust I've had jet-coated. Money well spent. If you get oil on them and it burns on causing nasty discoloration, you can, as pointed out earlier use a rubbing compound to polish them out. Make sure you wipe all the compound off or the compound will turn the system a whitish color when it gets hot.

Noticeably cooler under bonnet temperatures, longer lasting exhaust(at least on the headers - as they coated both sides) and it looks fabulous.

Step up. $275 is relatively cheap. I paid $400 plus here in town to have mine done on the spyder. And I had to remove/reinstall it!
angela

I coated my Berg extractor with good ol' Krylon High Temp BBQ Black.

Works for me......but then I decided to dress it up just for Carlisle with my special Exhaust tips (I now have colour-matched clamps, too).

Been getting so many positive comments I'm leaving them on there for a while - quite a fashion statement, too!

Picture below:

Love the exhaust tip. Did you get a special award for it?

Alas, I just received word from Jet Hot Coatings re their coating process. They coat the inside as well as the outside of the headers and tail pipe, but just the outside of the muffler itself. I plan on a Bursch system for the car that should be completed in September, but have tried unsuccessfully to find out how Bursch coats their exhaust systems (outside only, or inside plus outside). Does Bursch have a website, or are they only marketed in the U.S. and built in Germany, or what? Prices on the Jet Hot vary, of course, depending on the complexity of the system you send them. Someone mentioned that an extra $275 was a good deal...granted....but if they coat only the outside, I would have the builder send the system to Jet Hot.

I did my exhaust with a product from POR-15 called Black Velvet. Cost $35 for a pint which will do 2 exhaust systems. Tough as nails and looks great. Good up to 1500 degrees.

I spent $10 to get my exaust sandblasted then simply painted the coating on with a paint brush. The stuff doesn't completely cure until it reaches 400 degrees so I used my heat gun at close range to cure it. Oil has not been a problem.

It comes in silver and gray as well.

www.por15.com/subcat.asp?id=4

An easy way to "cure" exhaust paint is to simply take the car out for a drive.

Just talked to the Jet-Hot rep and explained the exhaust system. They coat the entire outside (and inside of the system, not including the muffler), which allows the exhaust gasses to leave the exhaust chambers more easily, thus getting rid of the heat faster. He said from the system I described that the cost would be around $300. They can take pitted, rusted pipes and restore them prior to applying their coating. They have an informative VCR, plus several articles you can get in a packet by calling 800-432-3379. www.jet-hot.com.

John,
Which I did ;) Several times. The reason I cured it with the heat gun was because the engine was out of the car. Before it cures it is soft and easy to scratch. I needed to move the engine about and didn't want to knock of the coating in the process.

Much harder to cure a painted exhaust by taking the car for a spin if the engine is not IN the car, Ben. Good call.

I was contemplating ceramic coating, but decided against it.
First the cost, and second, if you scratch in on the installation or scrape it while driving it kind of defeats the whole purpose of the rust protection, as (I don't think) you can touch it up.

I also opted for Black Velvet paint -$16.00/pint, applied with a Preval sprayer kit.
To prep it for painting - sandblast, or if system is new/unpainted, dress with a scotchbrite pad, then wipe it down twice with lacquer thinner, hang it up with coat hangers - apply one coat, wait 24 hours, and apply a second coat.
Black Velvet needs to be thinned 10% for spraying - you can use naptha to thin.

Barry; I don't think Bursch manufactures systems for VW engines, unless you modify one for a 356/912....I looked and couldn't find any; at least in Mid America Motorworks.

My Type 1 VW 1915 has a Bursche exhaust, I am told.

I'd love to check their offerings for VW engines; I checked with Mid America since I know they offer them for Porsche. Interestingly enough they don't offer them for VW's....

David, Besides rust prevention, I think the benefit of ceramic or jet coating is cooler operating temps, but this is only realized if you get the coating on the inside of the exhaust. Black Velvet won't help you there.

I haven't seen any Bursche systems for the VW. Bill George has a nice Bursche in his 356 and seems to like it.