Interior Heat Reduction, DIY Methods, etc.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 410
Likes: 3
From: Garland Texas
Interior Heat Reduction, DIY Methods, etc.
I have owned my 03 since February of this year and now the Texas heat has started up again, and I have noticed that the temperature around the console area is pretty frigging hot. I found that if I push the recycle button on the a/c controls it keeps the heat from blowing through but the console heat is still there. I have read up on the tunnel plate options but would like to find something a little more affordable. Does anyone have any experience with this vendor's pre-cut kit they would like to share. Any guidance or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks,
http://www.exoticvette.com/insulation%20c5.htm
I have searched the site and most of the results are over a few years old so hoping to find more recent reviews/comments.
http://www.exoticvette.com/insulation%20c5.htm
I have searched the site and most of the results are over a few years old so hoping to find more recent reviews/comments.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
I purchase a Thermal Abs tunnel plate from Elite Engineering. Big difference in temperature. I also wrapped the entire interior with Frost King 12-in x 180-in Insulated Aluminum Duct wrap. It made a WORLD of difference in cutiing down the heat in the cockpit ! 
http://www.lowes.com/pd_28929-1410-F...ductId=1081449
http://www.lowes.com/pd_28929-1410-F...ductId=1081449
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,340
Likes: 664
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
I dropped my tunnel plate, and stuck the silver coated (reflective) insulation all over the surface of the tunnel (after cleaning the surface for good adhesion, and being careful around the shifter). I figured it is better to reflect and insulate the heat from the bottom of the tunnel, rather than trying to add insulation in the cockpit area.
Note that the area between the tunnel plate and the tunnel is free flowing hot air from the engine/bellhousing/torque tube, so I didn't really see how an insulated tunnel plate would do much, although I am sure there is some added heat due to the exhaust below the plate (but most of that heat should be reflected by the tunnel plate).
Bottom line is that I am pleased with my results.
I thought I still felt some heat getting in around the shifter area that I could not insulate, but did not think much could be done for that. But recently I converted to the LED shifter indicator light, and was surprised at how much cooler the area around the shifter became.
Plasticman
Note that the area between the tunnel plate and the tunnel is free flowing hot air from the engine/bellhousing/torque tube, so I didn't really see how an insulated tunnel plate would do much, although I am sure there is some added heat due to the exhaust below the plate (but most of that heat should be reflected by the tunnel plate).
Bottom line is that I am pleased with my results.
I thought I still felt some heat getting in around the shifter area that I could not insulate, but did not think much could be done for that. But recently I converted to the LED shifter indicator light, and was surprised at how much cooler the area around the shifter became.
Plasticman
Last edited by Plasticman; May 29, 2014 at 10:23 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 1
From: Katy TX
I purchase a Thermal Abs tunnel plate from Elite Engineering. Big difference in temperature. I also wrapped the entire interior with Frost King 12-in x 180-in Insulated Aluminum Duct wrap. It made a WORLD of difference in cutiing down the heat in the cockpit !
http://www.lowes.com/pd_28929-1410-F...ductId=1081449
http://www.lowes.com/pd_28929-1410-F...ductId=1081449
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 410
Likes: 3
From: Garland Texas
I want to thank everyone for the comments, it really helped with my decision to go with the FK. A couple more things: 1) did you install 1 or 2 layers of the FK? 2) did you over lap the seams or just butt them up together and use foil tape? Thanks again!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
It may be too late, but here is another option or an additional option. When my car gets on the road I'll post how much the temps were decreased.
Lizard skin ceramic. Post 23.
Lizard skin ceramic. Post 23.
Last edited by Smokin Joe; May 28, 2014 at 09:56 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 410
Likes: 3
From: Garland Texas
Not too late. Will be next project over the next couple of weeks. Did you coat the interior and the underside, above the tunnel plate too? Either way, post your temp test results when you can. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida