So I bought a set of imported up pipes. The ceramic coating is like flat primer paint and just chips/flakes right off as shown. I suspect this was caused by the flange sliding around during shipping. Is this normal or something I should worry about? I've had ceramic coated headers in the past and they were nothing like this.

 

That does not look like ceramic coating to me sir. Looks like header paint that wasnt't applied correctly. I suspect it won't hurt anything installing as is. If you want them to have real cermic coating they would need to be stripped bead plasted and coated by a professional shop. The factory pipes are not coated so it not something you have to have.

 

I agree with 1leg, this looks a lot like VHT style paint. I have painted several pieces with VHT. The black always seems to hold up well, but the silver never has for me.

If you paid ceramic coating prices instead of high temp paint prices, I would be inquiring about a partial refund. In the end though, the pipes will work nearly as well as they would if they had not been painted or coated at all.

 

Thanks guys it does indeed appear to be paint. I only paid $160 for these so I can't say I paid near what ceramic should cost. I suppose I'll just touch up the bare metal and wrap them. Thanks for the quick responses.

 

That is exactly what I would do if I were in your situation.

 

Welcome to FTE.

I agree paint flaking. I would wrap them with exhaust wrap before installing.

 

FWIW I confirmed it with a heat gun, the coating has no insulating properties whatsoever. But it should help with corrosion control under the wrap.