Sidesill Paint/Heat resolution?

[-TRQuixote-]

Picked up a 97 GTS that’s showing paint bubbling on the passengers side side sill. I see that this is a known issue, but I’m curious if there’s a generally accepted fix outside of repaint all the time (or is that the best option?)

Thank you!

 

[Goggles Pizano]

Remove factory cats.

 

[-TRQuixote-]

I’m reading that switching to high flow and heat shields would help. Removing the cats seems hit or miss. Some people get engine light issues as a result?

 

[daveg]

Stock Exhaust?

 

[-TRQuixote-]

Stock Exhaust?

Correct.

 

[daveg]

Correct.

So I have the Borla 3" Cat-Back (Stock is sitting in my basement) and I have no bubbling of paint at all. Just more of a reference.

 

[-TRQuixote-]

So I have the Borla 3" Cat-Back (Stock is sitting in my basement) and I have no bubbling of paint at all. Just more of a reference.

I’ve been eyeballing different exhaust options. Some great videos on YouTube. It’s supposed to go in for paint correction and ceramic this week but now I’m almost wondering if I should wait on that and fix the side sill first

 

[daveg]

Personally I would only ceramic a Daily Driver.
A car that never sees rain or snow, I personally wouldn't waist my money. But, your car, your decision.
I am sure this will spark another debate.

 

[Goggles Pizano]

I’m reading that switching to high flow and heat shields would help. Removing the cats seems hit or miss. Some people get engine light issues as a result?

The PCM is slow to react I was told so you can put extenders in the rear.

To keep exhaust smell down, high flow cats and shields.

 

[Bill W]

I had my exhaust wrapped with heatshield armor. High-flow cat (see pic). The cat was not wrapped as per installer. Also did paint correction and ceramic coating. See it here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXvdsqYtpp-/?igsh=MWRucWw1cWhpd2d5aA==

 

[-TRQuixote-]

I had my exhaust wrapped with heatshield armor. High-flow cat (see pic). The cat was not wrapped as per installer. Also did paint correction and ceramic coating. See it here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXvdsqYtpp-/?igsh=MWRucWw1cWhpd2d5aA==

Man that looks great! I need a little paintwork on my sidesill. I was planning to do that next year…but I wonder if I shouldn’t be getting that done before plant correction and ceramic.

That’s a pristine Viper though bud!

 

[Jametemp]

Ultimately that is your preference if you do it before or after.

Just be aware that removing or going to high flow cats is not a guarantee fix. I have no cats, and my exhaust wrapped just like Bill and still have bubbling paint on my sills. I've even gone as far as putting positive pressure in the exhaust system to look for pin hole leaks (there are none). It's just something I've learned to accept with my 97.

 

[-TRQuixote-]

Ultimately that is your preference if you do it before or after.

Just be aware that removing or going to high flow cats is not a guarantee fix. I have no cats, and my exhaust wrapped just like Bill and still have bubbling paint on my sills. I've even gone as far as putting positive pressure in the exhaust system to look for pin hole leaks (there are none). It's just something I've learned to accept with my 97.

Great thoughts. Thank you!