heat insulating tape (Page 1/2)
sledcaddie AUG 12, 09:28 PM
Has anyone every tried wrapping the mufller/exhaust pipes with heat insulating tape (like the kind used on old motorcycles)? Would this reduce the heat in the engine compartment and trunk?
Daryl M AUG 12, 10:38 PM
I am doing that on my LFX/F-40 swap, but i am not done with it so who knows if it will make a differance?
stevep914 AUG 12, 11:01 PM
We used to wrap the headers on my GT3 SCCA car. Keeps engine compartment cooler, and the air going into the carbs, but doing this WILL shorten the life of your exhaust system!
Patrick AUG 12, 11:03 PM

Are you referring to header wrap?




If so... yes, the use of this has been discussed here many times. The main drawback appears to be that if it gets wet, it'll hold the moisture next to the pipes and eventually help rot them out.

I used it on a non-stock EGR tube for my Formula. It works well for this application as it doesn't get wet in that location.
sledcaddie AUG 13, 02:38 PM
Thanks, Patrick. But I wonder. How do motorcyclists keep the heat wrap tape dry? Is the tape they use different?
Patrick AUG 13, 04:33 PM

quote
Originally posted by sledcaddie:

How do motorcyclists keep the heat wrap tape dry? Is the tape they use different?



I dunno... you'll have to ask a biker.

Daryl M AUG 14, 03:45 AM
There is a spray silicone product made to be applied after the wrapping is competed. It is supposed to seal the surface of the wrap and help keep moisture out. I used it on my swap but again, who knows if it will help.
olejoedad AUG 14, 08:21 AM
The wrap dries out when the exhaust system heats up; if driving in rain the exhaust is already hot and the moisture doesn't penetrate far before it evaporates.

If the car is put in storage with wet wrap, or if stored in a damp environment I could see the wrap holding moisture and accelerating corrosion, but under normal conditions, I think the "wrap causing the exhaust to rot faster" is more urban legend than real world conditions.

The silicone spray helps make the wrap surface more water repellent, and should be used.

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 08-14-2019).]

Spadesluck AUG 14, 11:08 AM
Most wraps you want to use contain fiberglass, even for the bikers. If it gets wet it just dries off when the vehicle is on. Jist dont touch tonstuff with your skin as it will be itchy. I wrapped my headers and crossover pipe on my 2.8. Never did a before and after comparison on heat thought.
theogre AUG 14, 12:49 PM
Any "water" absorb will increase corrosion but isn't only issue.

Exhaust w/ any wrap will see higher temp swings causing higher expansion/shrinking rates.

example: Say a down pipe to cat runs 600-900°F normally. after wrap can run > 1100°F Even in freezing weather.

Bigger temp cycle range causes very higher stress in the parts AKA Metal Fatigue. That can Break the exhaust and manifold(s) w/o any corrosion issues. Worse when you have short runs of pipe like between exhaust outlets in a head and pipes can't move to allow heat cycling. This is part of why Fiero V6 and L4 breaks the exhaust manifold(s) to start with.

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