Transmission tunnel insulation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Winston-Salem NC
Transmission tunnel insulation
OK, my 4 speed has to come out this winter for new synchros. I noticed that my car does not have the tunnel insulation or the foam collar. Would this be a worthwhile investment while I have it apart? Does it make a lot of difference in the amount of interior heat? My '69 is like an oven in the summer. I've already bought some insulation to go under the carpet, but I'm thinking it couldn't hurt to go ahead and put this around the tranny too.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: MHT N.H.
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (jbroughton)
I didn't have the tunnel insulation either. When I insulated the floorboards I also put some over the tranny hump. Yes it helps with the heat. It's almost comfortable to drive in the summer now. Just kidding, it is comfortable. :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (jbroughton)
Yes you should use the tunnel insulation. And while you're at it put the insulation collar that goes over the bellhousing and seals the tunnel just behind the engine. This stops heat from traveling down the tunnel and will help the tunnel insulation work better. Make sure your lower shift boot isn't torn and that it seals tightly to the floor. A lot of heat can come through a torn boot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (jbroughton)
Oh Gawd Yes!!! I just replace my insulation and I can't believe the difference an intact layer of insulation makes in the tranny tunnel.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Winston-Salem NC
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (vettfixr)
Thanks for the replies everybody. I figured it was probably a good investment. And Vettfixr, thanks for the tip about the lower shift boot. I hadn't even thought about that, and I'm sure mine has probably never been replaced. I'll check that before placing my parts order!
Jeff
Jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (jbroughton)
Insulate above and below the trans tunnel. Replace the clutch rod boot. Remove carpet, lift the car on jackstands, have a friend wave a drop light under the car, close any hole where you see light, completely insulate below carpet with one of several products previously discussed in numerous threads on this topic.
Install reflective tape on engine side of evaporator/ fan box - especially if you have headers.
Even after all this, you will still be hot unless you install manual cut off valves on both water lines serving the heater.
Install reflective tape on engine side of evaporator/ fan box - especially if you have headers.
Even after all this, you will still be hot unless you install manual cut off valves on both water lines serving the heater.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 3,991
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (jbroughton)
Also a quick note don't overlook the sliders when you rebuild the tranny. It causes tight gear engagement.
Gary
[Modified by gtr1999, 12:41 PM 12/20/2002]
Gary
[Modified by gtr1999, 12:41 PM 12/20/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 227
From: N Cal
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (flynhi)
"Even after all this, you will still be hot unless you install manual cut off valves on both water lines serving the heater."
Is this true?? I thought that a shut off was only needed on the 5/8" line to the heater core??
Is this true?? I thought that a shut off was only needed on the 5/8" line to the heater core??
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (l2vette)
My experience was that, after a while, hot water will back flow and/or mix with the water in the return line. So I valved them both off and now have cool feet!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (flynhi)
Heater? Who needs extra heat in a 'vette cockpit anyway. Just pull the hoses off and put caps on the manifold and intake ports. :D
My heater core is leaking, and although I have a new one ready to go in, but gathering enough mental fortitude to tear into the dash to do the job is the tough part.
My heater core is leaking, and although I have a new one ready to go in, but gathering enough mental fortitude to tear into the dash to do the job is the tough part.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (LT1driver)
My heater core started leaking (on my new carpet :mad :mad ) so I just by-passed it and now my interior is a lot cooler. I will probally never replace the heater core unless my cold natured wife asks me too. When I installed my engine, I replaced my old tunnel insulation because about 3/4 of it was missing and it seemed to make a little difference. In the summer I just put my top down and even though it is hot as :reddevil I am still cool driving around a classic :cool: :cool: :cool:
John
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (theandies)
I am going to put in new insulation this winter, is there a brand that is also better for sound insulation as well. I know, what is a guy with a 490 hp vert. doing looking for sound insulation - I am planning on building a C2 coupe and every coupe that I have been in, including a new C5 FRC has been louder than 'ell inside, just want to cut down on the hollowness of it all. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Transmission tunnel insulation (gdh)
Go to my website at this link for an article on insulating the cockpit. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/vettfixr/page14.htm
