Hot Cockpit
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hot Cockpit
I am a new corvette owner. Proud owner of 2013 NRB GS. My question,does anyone have information on a insulating kit for the car, especially the center console. My leg from my foot too just above the knee can feel the heat. Most notable in heavy traffic and extended trips. Any info appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 936
Likes: 36
From: SWFL 🇺🇸
I've noticed that too. The first order of business is to press the outside-air circulation button twice (light on) so hot air isn't pushed in but still, it feels like the heater is on in my car.
I know there's a tunnel insulation kit available and when I finally do my audio install, I'm going to insulate the whole area since I'll have the seats and center console out.
I know there's a tunnel insulation kit available and when I finally do my audio install, I'm going to insulate the whole area since I'll have the seats and center console out.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 86
From: Rocheport Missouri
I am a new corvette owner. Proud owner of 2013 NRB GS. My question,does anyone have information on a insulating kit for the car, especially the center console. My leg from my foot too just above the knee can feel the heat. Most notable in heavy traffic and extended trips. Any info appreciated.
Here's a link to one of them;
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...5-shipped.html
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,351
Likes: 2,445
From: Eastern
If you just want to lessen the heat from the center console area.
I've installed the Exotic Vette insulation kit, which is 3/16" foam sandwiched between outside layer of aluminum foil.
It definitely works at cutting down the heat from that area, including the center console storage compartment.
It doesn't eliminate the heat, but it makes it much more manageable.
Prior to using the Exotic vette material, the A/C ducting insulation
(bubble aluminum foil) works almost, if not just as good, for a lot less $$. It can be bought at home hardware locations (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc)
I think the best overall solution is to install the insulated tunnel plate under the vehicle, but it's a lot more work, and much more $$.
I've installed the Exotic Vette insulation kit, which is 3/16" foam sandwiched between outside layer of aluminum foil.
It definitely works at cutting down the heat from that area, including the center console storage compartment.
It doesn't eliminate the heat, but it makes it much more manageable.
Prior to using the Exotic vette material, the A/C ducting insulation
(bubble aluminum foil) works almost, if not just as good, for a lot less $$. It can be bought at home hardware locations (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc)
I think the best overall solution is to install the insulated tunnel plate under the vehicle, but it's a lot more work, and much more $$.
Last edited by 4SUMERZ; Oct 11, 2014 at 11:40 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
When I changed out the stock shifter for a MGW I insulated the tunnel with a roll of Dynamat. All I had to remove was the center console, which took all of 5-10 mins. I just covered the top of the tunnel and down the sides and it made a huge improvement in heat and noise. Total cost for the roll was around $30-40, and it took less than an hour from start to finish to do the job.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: billswebspace.com- GA
You could use the same thing they use on the C7, I have some but have not installed it yet:
http://www.buyaerogel.com/product/py...m-cut-to-size/
Here is where they talk about it in the C7, last paragraph:
https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motora...154747632.html
I have used heat shields on past cars made with Aerogel, it works pretty well.
http://www.buyaerogel.com/product/py...m-cut-to-size/
Here is where they talk about it in the C7, last paragraph:
https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motora...154747632.html
I have used heat shields on past cars made with Aerogel, it works pretty well.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,431
Likes: 4,231
From: Huskerland
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
.....the 12's and 13's added a second set of cats that sit right under the console....which makes much heat.....don't know why they did it.....my 10 runs cool as a cucumber because it does not have those cats.....insulation or get rid of the cats is the cure......
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,504
Likes: 3,631
Ditto, most of the heat is caused by the exhaust pipes transfering heat up the torque tunnel area through the cover.
The quickest fix for starts is to isolate the tunnel plate, and for the few extras dollars, the thicker plates that are isolated, help to stiffen up the car as well.
The quickest fix for starts is to isolate the tunnel plate, and for the few extras dollars, the thicker plates that are isolated, help to stiffen up the car as well.
Last edited by Dano523; Oct 12, 2014 at 09:05 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 130
From: Senoia Ga
If you just want to lessen the heat from the center console area.
I've installed the Exotic Vette insulation kit, which is 3/16" foam sandwiched between outside layer of aluminum foil.
It definitely works at cutting down the heat from that area, including the center console storage compartment.
It doesn't eliminate the heat, but it makes it much more manageable.
Prior to using the Exotic vette material, the A/C ducting insulation
(bubble aluminum foil) works almost, if not just as good, for a lot less $$. It can be bought at home hardware locations (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc)
I think the best overall solution is to install the insulated tunnel plate under the vehicle, but it's a lot more work, and much more $$.
I've installed the Exotic Vette insulation kit, which is 3/16" foam sandwiched between outside layer of aluminum foil.
It definitely works at cutting down the heat from that area, including the center console storage compartment.
It doesn't eliminate the heat, but it makes it much more manageable.
Prior to using the Exotic vette material, the A/C ducting insulation
(bubble aluminum foil) works almost, if not just as good, for a lot less $$. It can be bought at home hardware locations (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc)
I think the best overall solution is to install the insulated tunnel plate under the vehicle, but it's a lot more work, and much more $$.
I have done it both ways and this is a piece of cake.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 113
From: Brick NJ
There is a new product from Z/COOL(I think they are a forum vendor) that is easier and less expensive than replacing the entire tunnel plate. the insulation is simply attached to the existing plate with a high temp pressure sensitive adhesive.It has been on my 13 for some time now and no loss of adhesion.
I have done it both ways and this is a piece of cake.
I have done it both ways and this is a piece of cake.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,504
Likes: 3,631
To the bottom of the existing tunnel plate,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...at-shield.html
As for the 1/4" insolated plates that help to stiffen the car as well,
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...h-thermal-abs/
http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...-tunnel-plate/
As for ordering it from zip, you can have them throw in some bushing poly bushing shims as well, since bank that the ones in your lower shifter housing are long over due for replacement.
http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...sing-bushings/
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Z/ cool
[QUOTE=blue max;1588024009]There is a new product from Z/COOL(I think they are a forum vendor) that is easier and less expensive than replacing the entire tunnel plate. the insulation is simply attached to the existing plate with a high temp pressure sensitive adhesive.It has been on my 13 for some time now and no loss of adhesion.
I have done it both ways and this is a piece of cake.
Thanks, I will look into to z cool.
I have done it both ways and this is a piece of cake.
Thanks, I will look into to z cool.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 543
From: SE Pa
yep replace the mid pipe with a non catted version. Not an issue for emission testing that's done via OBD II (no sensors post these cats), if your State uses a tailpipe 'sniffer' that could be a different story
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,910
Likes: 49
From: CA
St. Jude Donor '17
GMInc and Corvette R&D in particular SAUK! They should have insulated the bottom from the dashboard throughout the tunnel all the way back to the taillights before selling any cars. Everything/anything we can do 'helps' but w/o proper insulating underneath, the heat will still rise to the cabin and fry our leg and anything in the console or the trunk. I wonder if the Corvette model was given to the Cadillac division for production would eliminate this overlooked or ignored heat problem in an otherwise fine sports touring car.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6,819
Likes: 235
From: Bell Buckle, TN
St. Jude Donor '11
We have found our Premium Kit all but eliminates heat while dropping cabin noise 10 to 14db depending on road surface. More info located here: C5 Insulation Kits