Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Exhaust Manifold Rusting

[Daniel]

I am about to install a BD pulse flow exhaust manifold on my 97 2500 Ram. I understand the manifold is painted with a very high quality 1500 degree temp paint (according to BD).



My question is how long does the paint last before rust appears on the manifold??



Also, would painting the manifold with a product like POR-20, a aluminum high temperature paint, prevent the manifold from rusting longer??



Thanks, Dan. .

 

[JMcCoy]

My ATS has been on for about two years and is showing signs of rust. I don't think any paint will hold up. If were to do it again, I would have it ceramicoated. Good luck

 

[Bob4x4]

On my 3rd gen I went the diy route but also oven cured the paint before installing. The truck has seen a lil Pismo and Baja beach use and is still holding up well

 

[Skydiver]

Daniel, I worked in the shipping dept. of a cast iron foundry in 1980, I remember that Dr. Shaw who was the "Big Boss" told me that the best coating for cast iron was a layer of rust. If the first layer of rust does not get disturbed the the (another) second layer of rust will never form. I just did a g oo gle search and could not document this knowledge.
Don't see many iron manifolds that are not rusty. Ever see an old plow that was not rusty?

 

[WilsonF]

How do you guys think Powder Coating would hold up?

Floyd

 

[Harlacher]

My ATS exhaust manifold has been on for about 5 years and it is covered with a solid coat of rust. I have also heard that good coat of rust, although not very good looking, is a very good protectant. I think that any coating would crack and look even worse after a few growths and shrinks from the heat that the manifolds are under.

 

[toms73novass]

How do you guys think Powder Coating would hold up?

Floyd

Not a chance... .

However, there might be some ceramic coatings that would ... .

Something like this is good to 2000 deg... . Caswell Inc. - Tech Line Coatings

 

[Bob4x4]

I ceramic coated the ATS manifold on my 94 when the manifold was first releast from advanced Turbo systems. It looks as good today as it did back then. Now AFE is selling Stainless Steel exhaust manifolds so rust is not even a worry

 

[WilsonF]

Did you use the coating system that toms linked to?

Floyd

 

[Bob4x4]

I just sent mine to a local industrial coating outfit in Los Angelos. I think I paid some where around $100 bucks back then