[C2] Header Wrap?
Thread Starter
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Header Wrap?
I'm curious if anyone running stock exhaust manifolds has used header wrap on their exhaust pipes from the manifold to the muffler to help keep the radiated heat out of the cabin, and how are your results?
I always use a good heat barrier inside but wonder if this addition would help. California desert temps are commonly in the triple digits, so I'm always looking for any improvement.
Thanks for any and all input.
Greg
I always use a good heat barrier inside but wonder if this addition would help. California desert temps are commonly in the triple digits, so I'm always looking for any improvement.
Thanks for any and all input.
Greg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,446
Likes: 314
From: Scottsdale AZ
make up some heat shields(with an air gap) like a new car. Look over the way your daily driver is constructed. Wrap trashes headers and accelerates their decay. Coating helps as well.
Last edited by John S 1961; Sep 10, 2019 at 07:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
John, I was considering some type of radiant barrier, similar to the newer car's type of shield with an air gap.
I have no headers and I'm in the lowest humidity in the country so I don't think moisture absorption should be an issue.
I have no headers and I'm in the lowest humidity in the country so I don't think moisture absorption should be an issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 1,946
From: Temple Terrace Florida
I have wrap on my 66 with side pipes. Makes a big difference in keeping the rocker and sill plates cooler. I use wrap on my 68 with under car exhaust. It also cuts down on the heat in the cabin especially at the console. No problems with rust at all. The wrap has been on the 68 for at least 20 years. Jerry
Thread Starter
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Good info, thanks guys.
This is just the feedback I was looking for. I believe I'll wrap the pipes from the flange to the muffler. I think I will also look into some type of metal radiant barrier between the pipes and the floor.
This is just the feedback I was looking for. I believe I'll wrap the pipes from the flange to the muffler. I think I will also look into some type of metal radiant barrier between the pipes and the floor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: McCloud CA
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I have wrap on my 66 with side pipes. Makes a big difference in keeping the rocker and sill plates cooler. I use wrap on my 68 with under car exhaust. It also cuts down on the heat in the cabin especially at the console. No problems with rust at all. The wrap has been on the 68 for at least 20 years. Jerry
I am thinking about doing the same this to the side exhaust pipes on my '66. What sort of wrap did you use on yours ?
Ray
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Monroe NC
I have the same issues. I have done all the above plus: on my 73 , the water flow to the heater core is continues , even with the heater off, so I added manual shutoff valves in the engine bay. Also I sealed the asto vents inside and on screen vents in the windshield wiper compartment.
Le Mans Master
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From: The Golden Triangle, Florida
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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The tape worked but they changed the sound of the pipes. Not obnoxious but definitely a little different and louder.
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Maine
Pictures
Temp at header...500* plus. Temp 1 foot down header with temp gun.....220*.... The flex pipe keeps the heat from reaching floor and firewall of car.
I drive year round and in the summer it really makes a difference .. Some of you may have seen it on my car when I visited on my 48 state trip....If you live in the south, you will really love this fix.
Jack
Last edited by Jackfit; Sep 15, 2019 at 04:46 PM. Reason: Photos
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Temple Terrace Florida
I purchased Thermo Tec header wrap for my side pipes. I used their stainless steel straps to hold the end of the wrap on the pipe. Be careful as the strap is very sharp and I still have the scar on my hand. On the other side I used a large stainless steel hose clamp. No cuts 
. Jerry
. Jerry
Le Mans Master
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From: The Golden Triangle, Florida
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Jerry - I like your idea of using SS clamps instead of the ties. I also received a few lacerations from those things. I tried using the little tool that you use with a ratchet but I wasn’t able to master it.
A hint for anyone doing this wrap is to pull the wrap tight a d secure it temporarily with nylon zip ties every foot or so. When you’re finished and have your steel ties or SS clamps in place, you can either go back and cut off the nylon ties or leave them in place. They will melt and fall off in a few days.
Steve
A hint for anyone doing this wrap is to pull the wrap tight a d secure it temporarily with nylon zip ties every foot or so. When you’re finished and have your steel ties or SS clamps in place, you can either go back and cut off the nylon ties or leave them in place. They will melt and fall off in a few days.
Steve
Last edited by RatDog; Sep 12, 2019 at 09:52 AM.
Le Mans Master
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I have side pipes that run under the body section between the frame and my outer 1/4 panel. When I first built the car and drove it there was a ton of heat radiating into the passenger compartment. I end up wrapping its entire length with insulation tape and have never looked back or felt it was hot inside the car.