Thermal barrier coating for engine and exhaust parts
A thermal barrier coating (TBC) is a ceramic layer that slows down heat moving through a part. We apply it by thermal spray to exhaust, turbo and engine parts, for racing and for the road.
Priced per part. Send photos and you get a price before you ship anything.
What a thermal barrier coating is
Thermal barrier coatings were developed for jet engines and gas turbines, where metal parts sit in gas hotter than the metal itself could survive. The same principle works on a car: a ceramic layer with low heat conductivity separates the hot gas from everything around it.
Our coatings are metal-ceramic. A metal bond layer is sprayed onto the grit-blasted part, then ceramic oxide layers are built up on top. At about 0.3 mm thick, the coated surface runs about 30% cooler.
Where it makes a difference
The biggest gains come on the parts that run hottest and sit closest to other components: exhaust manifolds, turbine housings and downpipes. On pistons the coating goes on the crown, where it limits how much combustion heat soaks into the piston.
What it does not do
A coating does not repair cracks or seal a leaking joint; damaged parts need welding first. It does not make a part heat-proof either. It slows heat down, which is exactly what the rest of the engine bay needs.
What the coating does
- Lower temperatures under the bonnet and around wiring and hoses
- Cooler intake air, which helps the engine keep its power
- More of the exhaust heat carried out through the pipe
- Protection against oxidation and corrosion
- No exhaust wrap needed
Questions
Is a thermal barrier coating the same as a ceramic exhaust coating?
On exhaust parts, yes: "ceramic coating" usually means a thermal barrier coating. What differs between suppliers is how it is applied. We use thermal spray, which builds a thicker ceramic layer than paint-on products.
How much cooler will my part run?
About 30% lower surface temperature at 0.3 mm coating thickness is typical. The exact result depends on the part, its material and how hard the engine works.
Sending a part by courier
Most parts reach us by courier. It takes three steps.
Send photos and details
Use the form or WhatsApp. Tell us the part, the car or engine, and anything we should know, such as cracks or earlier repairs.
Pack and ship the part
Once you accept the quote, remove sensors, gaskets and heat shields, pack the part well and ship it with any courier.
Get it back coated
We coat the part and send it back to you, or you pick it up in Riga.
Shipping address
We send the shipping address together with your quote.
Packing tips
- Wrap flanges and threads so they cannot be damaged in transit.
- Use a sturdy box and fill the empty space so the part cannot move.
- Put a note inside with your name, phone number and what you want coated.
Parts we coat for this
Exhaust manifold
Cast manifolds and tubular headers: the hottest part of the exhaust and the best place to start.
Turbo housing
The turbine housing is a heat source right next to your intake. Coating it cuts heat soak.
Downpipe
The pipe right after the turbo, often routed past the gearbox, driveshaft and floor.
Intake manifold
Keeps engine heat out of the intake air on its way to the cylinders.
Pistons
A ceramic layer on the crown limits how much combustion heat soaks into the piston.
Brake pads and shims
A heat barrier between the pad and the caliper that keeps brake fluid cooler.
Motorcycle exhaust
Headers and collectors that run close to your legs, the frame and the fairings.
Get a quote for your part
Tell us what you want coated and add a few photos. We reply with a price and a timeline.