Ceramic Coated DPs for n54....

[rhodesman]

So I ordered a set of AR design n54 3" Downpipes, with High Flow Race Cats and Ceramic Coating. They arrived yesterday and to my dismay, AR forgot to ceramic coat the pipes. Now they are doing the right thing and asking me to return the pipes on their dime so they can coat them but that's another two + weeks I'll be without my new down pipes.

My question is, should I bother with the ceramic coating or just go get some heat wrap and call it a day? I liked the idea of the coating simply to help keep the heat down considering how hot it's been already this year and the looks from what I can tell, hold up better with time than the plain SS. However, I'm not sure the ceramic coating is going to do all that much, is it just on the outside or do they coat the inside as well? I've heard that coating the inside and outside does help, but if it's just the outside, it's a more cosmetic job because the metal is still directly exposed to the heat.

Part of me is being impatient and wants yo slap the DPs on the car now, and part of me want to wait and get what I originally ordered. Either way, AR is happy to coat my pipes or refund me the money.... I just need some help on making a decision.

Thanks!

[NihonX]

Post turbo I wouldn't worry too much about it. The pipes do get pretty hot but I haven't had any noticeable wear on them even after 50,000 miles on AR Pipes.

[rhodesman]

Can I ask if you're pipes are wrapped or just the base SS tube?

[mike@x-ph.com]

99% of the downpipes sold for the N54 are not ceramic coated. Never saw a single problem with any of the reputable brands.
I would not be too worried about it.