Manifold wrapping

[chris52]

I know the pros for reducing under temperatures but what are the cons?
Which is the best stuff to use and how many Meters do you think I should order.
Just thinking of doing the manifolds and leaving the Y piece.
Any help or suggestions appreciated
Chris

[rigga]

Con number one is it can cause cracking of the manifolds due to keeping too much heat localized in one place.

[fausTVR]

Considered the various coatings available instead (ie ceramic, etc.)? In my view these can achieve a similar effect re temps but look far better and less risk of cracking to boot. Coating would need to be white or shiney silver colour for minimum heat radiation of course.

As I understand it, heat problems only stem from heat-soak, which is only really present when the car comes to rest after use (under way there's plenty of air movement). That's why I raise the bonnet when possible after a drive. Just my 2p.

Edited by fausTVR on Monday 24th December 15:02

[chris52]

I agree that a ceramic coat would be the best bet and I do like the look of it but AFAIK it costs in excess of £400. My main reason for wanting to do this is to stop the paint/bushes bubbling/metling near the manifolds.wrapping the manifolds does seem to be an affordable solution, I do have a spare set of manifolds so may just try these and see how it goes.

I know a few have tried this and would appreciate their feedback especially on how much was required how hard it was to fit and any long term problems.

chris

[dnb]

If you don't mind getting fibreglass all over your hands when changing the plugs or doing anything with the manifolds then it'll work fine. Cracking manifolds happens regardless of wrapping or not - although it might make it happen quicker. I vote for not getting a rash from the fibreglass, so spent the money on ceramic coating. With any luck it'll last a lot longer than the wrap, which does degrade over time.

[TVR Beaver]

£400 is a lot to spend on coating though.. don't POR15 do a VHT manifold paint?.. anyone tried this??

[griffter]

50m of 2" wrap will do up to the collectors. Use T and J shaped bits of wire coat hangers to help wrap around in situ. I did 2 sets (original and aftermarket) with no ill effects. It does make a mess of fibres everywhere, but not for long.

[chris52]

Thanks for the help guys and a merry Christmas to everyone
Chris

[chris52]

Well today was the first spirited run out in the car with the manifolds wrapped. Approaching the traffic lights I noticed some blue smoke coming from under the car pulled over and lifted the bonnet it turned out to be the pas fluid lid not on tight and the oil was running down the back of the engine and onto the exhaust.
Now while the bonnet was open a few leaves blew under. Didn't think anything of it until I could smell somthing burning looked at the manifolds and a leaf was literally on fire. I quickly put it out waited for the car to cool drove home and ripped the wrapp off.
Just a warning if anyone is thinking of putting it on DONT.
Chris

[macdeb]

chris52 said:

I agree that a ceramic coat would be the best bet and I do like the look of it but AFAIK it costs in excess of £400. .

chris

Especially if it looks like st after very few miles [cermakrome] and the service from some is appalling. [told them I'd help when I could]

[Rob_the_Sparky]

If it helps, a polished metal surface will radiate a LOT less heat than a dark one regardless of temperature (even less than a white surface). A polishing wheel is fairly cheap so if you have a few hours you could polish them. Not sure how long they would stay like this but according to the theory it should make a significant difference.