To wrap or not to wrap...that is the question ?
Discussion
well I know this question has been done to death over the years on here, but having looked through the various comments it seems to be a pretty even split between those in favour of wrapping exhaust manifolds and those against.
I know Peter Humphries has had his manifolds wrapped for many years/miles, but there must also be a reasonable number of you out there who have also had theirs wrapped for a few years now. How have you got on ?
Any problems/issues ?
I am keen to reduce the heat in the engine bay but don't want to cause any problems further down the line.
Since the exhaust is (supposedly) stainless steel, I would think this will be fine.
Also the manifolds are pretty solid bits of kit, though I have had to have these welded up in a few places in the past. Should that have an impact on my decision to wrap or not ?
Are there any better materials available now, rather than just the tape that has been previously used.
Oh, and ofcouse I want to do this as cheaply as possible.... I've spent all my money on servicing + extras already this year !
I know Peter Humphries has had his manifolds wrapped for many years/miles, but there must also be a reasonable number of you out there who have also had theirs wrapped for a few years now. How have you got on ?
Any problems/issues ?
I am keen to reduce the heat in the engine bay but don't want to cause any problems further down the line.
Since the exhaust is (supposedly) stainless steel, I would think this will be fine.
Also the manifolds are pretty solid bits of kit, though I have had to have these welded up in a few places in the past. Should that have an impact on my decision to wrap or not ?
Are there any better materials available now, rather than just the tape that has been previously used.
Oh, and ofcouse I want to do this as cheaply as possible.... I've spent all my money on servicing + extras already this year !
You can wrap with tape in situ - it might take a day to do it neatly, but it's worth while. I only wrapped as far as the front face of the engine block; far enough to reduce heat in the vicinity of the HT leads and starter, not so far as to superheat the exhaust under the floor. I doesn't do a lot for underbonnet temperatures, but it does shift the heat from the aforementioned typical trouble hot-spots. No problems AFAIK.
I came across the COOOLTEK exhaust wrap which states the following :
"When used to wrap tubular exhaust manifolds the reduction in under bonnet temperature may increase horsepower & increase fuel efficiency, ( not suitable for cast iron as it may crack!).
Offers substantial protection against fire hazards, may be used to wrap pipes & cables etc.
Often used in marine applications as it does not absorb moisture.
Supplied 50mm wide rolls, 1.5mm nominal thickness. Thermal conductivity w/mk - 0.06 C3000"
So the question I have is .... What is my exhaust manifold made out of ?
Is it cast Iron or some form or steel ?
"When used to wrap tubular exhaust manifolds the reduction in under bonnet temperature may increase horsepower & increase fuel efficiency, ( not suitable for cast iron as it may crack!).
Offers substantial protection against fire hazards, may be used to wrap pipes & cables etc.
Often used in marine applications as it does not absorb moisture.
Supplied 50mm wide rolls, 1.5mm nominal thickness. Thermal conductivity w/mk - 0.06 C3000"
So the question I have is .... What is my exhaust manifold made out of ?
Is it cast Iron or some form or steel ?
philr said:
I came across the COOOLTEK exhaust wrap which states the following :
"When used to wrap tubular exhaust manifolds the reduction in under bonnet temperature may increase horsepower & increase fuel efficiency, ( not suitable for cast iron as it may crack!).
Offers substantial protection against fire hazards, may be used to wrap pipes & cables etc.
Often used in marine applications as it does not absorb moisture.
Supplied 50mm wide rolls, 1.5mm nominal thickness. Thermal conductivity w/mk - 0.06 C3000"
So the question I have is .... What is my exhaust manifold made out of ?
Is it cast Iron or some form or steel ?
steel - maybe stainless, maybe not (if it's original), but unless something very weird's happened it'll be tubular fabricated, not cast. Should be fine.
The HP claims are a bit dubious IMHO. If that's what it says on the packet then strictly you ought to tell your insurance company
I used cooltek by the way, but 25 mm width, not 50mm. 25mm is better for the fiddly curves, but takes twice as long!
>> Edited by griffter on Tuesday 27th July 12:50
wrapped mine and it does make a very small difference. I unfortunately got caught in the nasty snarl-up going to Goodwood last year and spent 4 hours in queuing traffic.... on one of the hottest days of the year! Car coped, but occupants suffered...! Within a week or two the HT leads started playing up as I had basically cooked them off.... too much heat for too long and that was that - £80 for a set of replacements.
So, I decided to take some measures. One of which was some exhaust wrap. My experiences have been fairly positive as it does keep the build-up down, but you will still get high under-bonnet temperatures anyway - all you are doing is just delaying it.
I ended up with a car which takes a little longer to get hot (but not warm up) and which copes a little easier with stop / start traffic. I "think" it cools down quicker too, but only once you start moving. However, I did a few things at the same time and I havent seen the temp gauge get above 92 since...
I fitted it myself and what they say about it being an irratant is true - wear gloves....!!! Oh, and fitting in-situ is possible but be prepared for lots of leaning in and out of the engine bay, and get a nice long hooked piece of wire - you can hook it round and pull it through the manifold parts! Took me about 5 hours to do and I am pleased with the results. BUT careful planning as to which way round to wrap, and where the manifolds are is the key - did the first one wrong and took it off to re-do it later....
Is the engine more powerful? Cant tell
Is the engine smoother? Cant tell
Is the engine more efficient? Cant tell
So, I decided to take some measures. One of which was some exhaust wrap. My experiences have been fairly positive as it does keep the build-up down, but you will still get high under-bonnet temperatures anyway - all you are doing is just delaying it.
I ended up with a car which takes a little longer to get hot (but not warm up) and which copes a little easier with stop / start traffic. I "think" it cools down quicker too, but only once you start moving. However, I did a few things at the same time and I havent seen the temp gauge get above 92 since...
I fitted it myself and what they say about it being an irratant is true - wear gloves....!!! Oh, and fitting in-situ is possible but be prepared for lots of leaning in and out of the engine bay, and get a nice long hooked piece of wire - you can hook it round and pull it through the manifold parts! Took me about 5 hours to do and I am pleased with the results. BUT careful planning as to which way round to wrap, and where the manifolds are is the key - did the first one wrong and took it off to re-do it later....
Is the engine more powerful? Cant tell
Is the engine smoother? Cant tell
Is the engine more efficient? Cant tell
I've had mine on from almost new (4 years ago) & it's been great. I did it more as a preventative thing, but I certainly noticed the normal temp come down a bit. The other thing that it has done is protect the powder coating on the chassis nearest the manifolds - I was under my car last week, cleaning & hammeriting the chassis whilst the suspension is all off (getting polyurethane bushes & Nitrons 
) & Noel at V8 Sports remarked on how immaculate these chassis rails are on mine due to the exhaust wrap.
Tip on clips - don't use the snap-on clips supplied with the wrap - use jubilee clips (2 joined together), as these are far more adjustable & easier to use - you can re-wrap the ends after a couple of years if need be....
) & Noel at V8 Sports remarked on how immaculate these chassis rails are on mine due to the exhaust wrap. Tip on clips - don't use the snap-on clips supplied with the wrap - use jubilee clips (2 joined together), as these are far more adjustable & easier to use - you can re-wrap the ends after a couple of years if need be....
philr said:
Thanks for the feedback Paul.
what product dis you use ?
I have seen the CoolTec tape for about £22 + ties and the Thermotec tape (supposedly treated with something) for about £55 + ties.
Cooltec from Demon Tweeks with the stainless steel ties.... oh, and make sure you get two or even three packs of the ties - for the larger sections of exhaust you need to put two together.... and once they lock, well thats it really.... I know from bitter experience!!!
Has anybody used the Thermotec exhaust wrap ?
I claims .....
EXHAUST INSULATING WRAP
The original Exhaust Insulating Wrap was developed over 12 years ago by Thermo-Tec. Exhaust Insulating Wrap is an innovative way to create more horsepower and reduce under-hood temperatures.
Wrapping headers maintains hotter exhaust gases that exit the system faster through decreased density. Increased exhaust scavenging is produced, along with lower intake temperatures. Exhaust Insulating Wrap withstands continuous heat up to 2000°F, and contains no asbestos.
Thermo-Tec exhaust wrap will not over-insulate a system when properly installed due to a proprietary coating developed by Thermo-Tec - Thermal Conduction Technology (TCT) - that conducts heat across the wrap's surface. This coating controls heat build-up and dissipation.
I claims .....
EXHAUST INSULATING WRAP
The original Exhaust Insulating Wrap was developed over 12 years ago by Thermo-Tec. Exhaust Insulating Wrap is an innovative way to create more horsepower and reduce under-hood temperatures.
Wrapping headers maintains hotter exhaust gases that exit the system faster through decreased density. Increased exhaust scavenging is produced, along with lower intake temperatures. Exhaust Insulating Wrap withstands continuous heat up to 2000°F, and contains no asbestos.
Thermo-Tec exhaust wrap will not over-insulate a system when properly installed due to a proprietary coating developed by Thermo-Tec - Thermal Conduction Technology (TCT) - that conducts heat across the wrap's surface. This coating controls heat build-up and dissipation.
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