6.1L Alternator cooling

Discussion in 'Challenger SRT8 Engine & Performance Modifications' started by AnthonyLopez11B, Feb 7, 2017.

  1. AnthonyLopez11B

    AnthonyLopez11B Member

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    Okay so I'm on my 3rd alternator since I've put my headers on about 10 months, not really looking to risk more going out or pay for another one because my headers melted the back of it, SO, I was wondering if anyone has tried any sort of heat blanket, or heat shield for the 2010 Challenger SRT to protect the alternator? Yes I've heard I need to heat wrap the headers but I'm looking to not take them off to do so, I simply don't have the time right now. Any suggestions would be swell


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  2. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    You can try a heat shield but the best solution is to wrap the headers. What you are experiencing is a common problem with many headers. My brother went through several fried alternators because of Hooker headers on his 383 Charger.
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2017
  3. AnthonyLopez11B

    AnthonyLopez11B Member

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    Alright I appreciate the help! I haven't heard too many people having this problem but I'm relieved it's not just me


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  4. AnthonyLopez11B

    AnthonyLopez11B Member

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    Also, I've heard heat wrapping will degrade piping, is this true for stainless steel headers like SLP?


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  5. AnthonyLopez11B

    AnthonyLopez11B Member

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    Oh and one more thing! What kind of heat wrap would be best? I'm seeing "volcano rock"? Titanium, and fiber glass heat wrap


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  6. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Summit Racing Equipment has a great selection of Heatshield products that can withstand 1,800 degrees F. These can be used to shield your alternator and starter.

    https://www.summitracing.com/search...rd=exhaust heat shield&kr=exhaust heat shield

    After checking further about wrapping your headers, I found a detailed article about this process. The article makes a strong case NOT to wrap them in order to prevent damage. I am now a believer. Read this:

    http://www.centuryperformance.com/exhaust-header-heat-wraps-do-not-use.html
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2017
  7. AnthonyLopez11B

    AnthonyLopez11B Member

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    Ah I see, I was expecting something like this to be said about the wraps but I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt lol thank you for the article it was informing. Now they mentioned a lot that the degradation of the headers under wraps was much faster in race conditions, what's your opinion on daily driving with my cammed challenger which runs on a rich AFR, with hardly any race conditions? Do you think the wrap consequences will be, nearly absent I suppose?


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  8. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Header wrap will degrade pipes. In a non-race application, it will take longer but it will eventually occur.

    The best solution, although an expensive one, is to have your headers ceramic coated.

    Engine Master Headers did an extensive dyno comparison test of coated and uncoated headers. Here's their results:

    "Coatings: Are They Worth It?

    As a part of our test, we wanted to quantify the benefits of a coated header versus a plain uncoated black painted header. A thermal barrier ceramic coating adds considerably to the price of any header, often doubling the price. We tested two otherwise identical Hooker 1⅞-inch headers with surprising results. Running on the dyno, we found the power numbers virtually unchanged.

    Where the ceramic coating made a remarkable difference is in the heat transferred by the header. We tested the header temperature immediately after a run, and then one minute after shutdown. The coated headers measured 258 degrees F dropping to 195 degrees F a minute after shutdown.

    In contrast, the uncoated header measured a scalding 870 degrees, retaining 520 degrees a minute after shutdown. We didn’t need a heat gun to tell the difference in the test cell."

    That is huge! If you can keep 500° out from under the hood, you are helping everything under the hood.

    Here is a photo of a coated header. Besides the previously stated benefits, it makes your engine bay a lot more attractive.
     

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    Last edited: Feb 9, 2017
  9. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    A cheaper option is to spray your headers with ZyCoat/ZyBar. It is a new product that was recently introduced at a trade show. It withstands 1,600 degree heat, comes in 3 colors and cures to a rock hard finish.

    Here is their video describing the product:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhGJ4c4pkPU
     
  10. TommyFox

    TommyFox Active Member

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    My question is since I'm looking into LT headers are people who have ceramic coated headers experiencing any problems with this?