stainless headers?

Question

i just installed aftermarket 304 stainless headers yesterday, and they are already discolored (burnt-like/rainbowish). is this normal for stainless headers (on a Cavy) without header wrap?

i haven't driven much at all, either. nor have i hit over 3800 rpm.

Answer 1

yes........this is normal.........it won,t hurt them......pay attention to the color.....it,s a good indication of your fuel mixture......the rainbow color you described is normal......a dark or deep blue indicate,s running too rich.....a bright yellow would mean too lean.....this can be witnessed on many motorcycle,s.....chrome or nickle/chrome will discolor in the same way....header wrap will retain most heat ....but unwrap them & you,ll see the same color pattern.

Answer 2

Very normal. You actually get more power out of headers if they are insulated with a ceramic wrap or glass beaded and shot with heat proof black. The object is to keep the heat inside the pipes to raise the volumetric efficiency.

Answer 3

It's normal, chrome or nickel would do the same. it's nothing to worry about, just normal heat. They'll discolor more but last a long time.