Is it worth using header wrap to wrap the exhaust pipes that run on either side of
10-05-2007, 08:03 AM
#1
Drifting
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Is it worth using header wrap to wrap the exhaust pipes that run on either side of
trans pan to keep it from heating up the trans pan or the fluid inside??
Shahram
Shahram
10-05-2007, 09:04 AM
#2
Racer
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Keep one thing in mind, when using header tape. The heat has to go somewhere. You are protecting one area, but another area gets hotter.
Saw this on GT1 cars. Wrap the headers, and the exhaust/muffler would get hot enough to catch a fiberglass door (side exhaust) on fire.
Mash
Saw this on GT1 cars. Wrap the headers, and the exhaust/muffler would get hot enough to catch a fiberglass door (side exhaust) on fire.
Mash
10-05-2007, 09:12 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
The other thing is header wrap can trap moisture and then accelerate corrosion of your exhaust.
Just my opinion, but the best solution is a cooler, again JMO
Just my opinion, but the best solution is a cooler, again JMO
10-05-2007, 09:21 AM
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Drifting
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Shahram
10-05-2007, 09:23 AM
#5
Melting Slicks
If you are using the car for track days the answer is yes, it will keep the tranny cooler. It isn't likely going to replace the need for additional coolers, but the way the stock exhaust is routed near the trany and diff puts more heat into the tranny and rear end than need be...
The flow rate of air around the tranny and differential is pretty small, in particular in the "kickup" area where the exhaust goes over the half shafts. With everything tucked up into the car (out of the airstream) under there, the temperature of the exhaust isn't being reduced much in that area, but it is transferring heat into the tranny and diff and any reduction in that it a good thing.
The flow rate of air around the tranny and differential is pretty small, in particular in the "kickup" area where the exhaust goes over the half shafts. With everything tucked up into the car (out of the airstream) under there, the temperature of the exhaust isn't being reduced much in that area, but it is transferring heat into the tranny and diff and any reduction in that it a good thing.
10-05-2007, 09:40 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
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Another option would be to have it ceramic coated, it's more expensive but more effective also. I've had a couple of track cars who decided to do this when I installed the headers. It will probably run you around $200 to have it coated but it's neater.
10-05-2007, 09:46 AM
#7
Drifting
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If you are using the car for track days the answer is yes, it will keep the tranny cooler. It isn't likely going to replace the need for additional coolers, but the way the stock exhaust is routed near the trany and diff puts more heat into the tranny and rear end than need be...
The flow rate of air around the tranny and differential is pretty small, in particular in the "kickup" area where the exhaust goes over the half shafts. With everything tucked up into the car (out of the airstream) under there, the temperature of the exhaust isn't being reduced much in that area, but it is transferring heat into the tranny and diff and any reduction in that it a good thing.
The flow rate of air around the tranny and differential is pretty small, in particular in the "kickup" area where the exhaust goes over the half shafts. With everything tucked up into the car (out of the airstream) under there, the temperature of the exhaust isn't being reduced much in that area, but it is transferring heat into the tranny and diff and any reduction in that it a good thing.
Shahram
10-05-2007, 09:48 AM
#8
Race Director
Coating is nice, check out Swain tech.
10-05-2007, 10:01 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
I've often thought about wrapping, but unless you have a full SS exhaust you are asking for trouble 2-3 years down the road. That stuff is notorious for holding moisture and accelerating corrosion. That is the only downside.
10-05-2007, 10:19 AM
#10
Drifting
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Shahram
Works well for us! You mechanic will thank you as well.
10-05-2007, 11:05 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
I bought a bunch of thermotech heat wrap products from Speedzone for a gas turbine project I was doing last year. They were super helpful, really fast shipping (got it the next day) and were less expensive than Summit and Jeg's... They really understood the products and the what worked for each application, as well as being nice folks to deal with...
http://www.speedzone24-7.com/
I would try them first...
http://www.speedzone24-7.com/
I would try them first...
10-05-2007, 11:11 AM
#13
Race Director
header wrap really is nice, but it does have drawbacks as noted above. I had a set of TPIS (mild steel) headers crack in less than one season. However, it is really nice having an engine bay that you can work in literally right after coming off of the track.
Another concern is safety. If you would happen to have an oil leak at a valved cover, the header wrap can actually absorbe it like a wick and catch fire. Instead of just smoldering and burning off, you can actually have a real fire. Not likely to happen, but something to think about.
bottom line, I like it if done carefully (ie, wet the fabric and wrap it tightly and completely), but it leads to more maintenance down the road
Another concern is safety. If you would happen to have an oil leak at a valved cover, the header wrap can actually absorbe it like a wick and catch fire. Instead of just smoldering and burning off, you can actually have a real fire. Not likely to happen, but something to think about.
bottom line, I like it if done carefully (ie, wet the fabric and wrap it tightly and completely), but it leads to more maintenance down the road
10-05-2007, 06:43 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
I did mine and solved my trans overheating issues during lapping days. Cost me a grand total of $40 for the wrap and about an hours time to make sure it was nice and tight.
10-05-2007, 07:20 PM
#17
Drifting
Another concern is safety. If you would happen to have an oil leak at a valved cover, the header wrap can actually absorbe it like a wick and catch fire. Instead of just smoldering and burning off, you can actually have a real fire. Not likely to happen, but something to think about.
This did happen to me, not sure if I would have avoided the fire after blowing my engine but I think it made it worse. Luckly, not a lot of damage, I was able to put it out pretty quickly. Still chasing some electrical gremlins, but nothing major so far.Same thing can happen if your sloppy adding oil, like I can do some times. The wrap will hold on to the oil, a LOT better than you think, almost impossible to clean it out. And it will smolder and smell at the very least...
My X-pipe is still wrapped, but thats because there are no oil or ATF sources near by. However, I don't think it really helped my trans temps.
What kind of trans cooler do you have? Not all coolers are built equal, a tube and fin will not do as well as a plate type for the trans and oil. Also, what size is it? The racing ones are large, my new one is 11x11 and is a plate style. Hope to be on the track in a couple of weeks to ry it out
Maybe a deeper pan would help you out. Thats my next step if this cooler does not do it... either that or look for a manual trans LOL...
10-05-2007, 09:23 PM
#18
Drifting
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Shahram
10-05-2007, 09:38 PM
#19
Melting Slicks
10-05-2007, 10:08 PM
#20
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