Is heat a problem with headers???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
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Is heat a problem with headers???
I have a 98 C5 and I just installed a set of Kooks 1 3/4" headers. The passenger side header is very close to the starter and other wiring. I am wondering if this is becomes a problem and if it does how do I heat shield it. I zip tied all wires away from the passenger side header, but how close is too close. The closest thing to the header is the AC line that is almost touching the headerbut has heat shield on it. What should be my concerns with this install?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 763
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From: Murfreesboro TN
This is the same type of unhelpful comment I was refering to in the other header thread you posted in. 
OP:
Check the clearances between the headers and wiring and make sure that you have as much air gap as possible. If you can buy or borrow an infrared thermometer with a laser pointer, that might help you identify hot spots that will need shielding.
Depending on how the primaries are routed, you might want to buy a starter shield for cheap insurance.
OP:
Check the clearances between the headers and wiring and make sure that you have as much air gap as possible. If you can buy or borrow an infrared thermometer with a laser pointer, that might help you identify hot spots that will need shielding.
Depending on how the primaries are routed, you might want to buy a starter shield for cheap insurance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,401
Likes: 1,141
From: Dyer, IN
Yeah, unhelpful......but at some point, a little common sense has to be used. Considering the headers are the hottest part of the engine, second to the combustion chambers, protecting anything within close proximity.....should go without saying. Heat kills electrical components, wiring, connectors, etc.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 763
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From: Murfreesboro TN
Yeah, unhelpful......but at some point, a little common sense has to be used. Considering the headers are the hottest part of the engine, second to the combustion chambers, protecting anything within close proximity.....should go without saying. Heat kills electrical components, wiring, connectors, etc.
agreed, but a lot of the questions asked on the forum are legitimate especially if the OP has never performed a certain mod and is asking advice from those who have.
:lo l:
: leaving:
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Edmonds WA
Yeah, unhelpful......but at some point, a little common sense has to be used. Considering the headers are the hottest part of the engine, second to the combustion chambers, protecting anything within close proximity.....should go without saying. Heat kills electrical components, wiring, connectors, etc.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
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From: South Western Ontario
As the OP has asked, it would be nice to know opinions on how close the wires can be without melting. I'd think 2" to 3" without shielding would be OK. I'm looking at my AC line being about 1/4" from the header and even with the wrapping I'm worried about it.
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FYI to anyone here. Go to your UserCP, click the Edit Ignore List from the items on the left and just add the idiots you want to block there. imavettegirl has managed to be the second member here I've blocked.
Peter
Last edited by lionelhutz; Feb 20, 2011 at 06:41 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 586
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From: Glendale CA
re: melting wires
I was wondering the same thing...
Soon I'll be getting the XS-Power longtube headers, and I've heard that headers dissipate more heat into the engine bay, with the spark plug wires next to each cylinder bank I'm kinda worried as well...
Anyone with longtubes have any experience? maybe some sort of heat-shield needs to be used? Thanks
Soon I'll be getting the XS-Power longtube headers, and I've heard that headers dissipate more heat into the engine bay, with the spark plug wires next to each cylinder bank I'm kinda worried as well...
Anyone with longtubes have any experience? maybe some sort of heat-shield needs to be used? Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 763
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From: Murfreesboro TN
