Would like to have the exhaust manifolds coated with the black ceramic finish. Some owners have said the finish will deteriorate in a short time. Is there a source that would give manifolds the maximum service life?

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 11/04/2004 - 09:33

Bill,

Thanks for sharing that source with us. I'm sure there are quite a few people I know who'd like to have their manifolds redone with something that will hold up over time. Agree with the overheating problem. Jet-hot seems to withstand very high temps and still look good, but obviously it does not look anything like the original porcelain. And I've seen a coating Jet-hot is doing that looks like chrome (makes the manifolds look like stainless headers), and it does not turn blue from the heat. An alternative for those looking for a little glitz on those non-concours cars. ;-)

Regards,
Steve

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Wed, 11/03/2004 - 14:59

most of the problems with modern porcelain stem from the fact that the finish is not applied properly, this is in large part due to restrictions placed by the EPA. But contact Prairie Porcelain in Northfiels minnesota, 507 645- 0987. My shop is in california and I have used them for more than twenty years for XK and E's and they are still beautiful. Even good porcelain and any other finish will react if exhaust temperatures get to high through a miss, running lean or retarded timing. regards Bill Brady

Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Wed, 11/03/2004 - 11:36

This seems to be the universal problem. Porcelin coating will crack and flake off. I have never heard of anyone doing it that it hasn't happened, unless they simply don't drive the car. The only reason to do it is to be "concours correct". But if you drive the car at all (i.e., if it's not a trailer queen), it will flake off sooner or later. Just a fact of life.

An alternative, if you want to have the manifolds coated and have it last a long time is Jet-Hot coating. It does not look like porcelin, but it will last a long time and hold up to the high heat of the exhaust manifolds. Not too expensive either. You have a choice of colors and finishes, but most people I know who have done it do them in black. I'm having the manifolds for my '69 OTS done with this coating.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS