Qn: Exhaust heat wrap

[Weathers]

Question 1: is it worth heat wrapping the manifold? And why?

Question 2: roughly how much would you need of the 50mm wrap to do a Zetec 4 branch manifold? Ball park obviously as different makes, styles etc.

Thanks.

[Fury1630]

Purely what I've heard, but there's anecdotal evidence of heat wrap leading to welds cracking in the manifold as it keeps the heat in. It also moves the heat downstream, so the exhaust will be hotter where you can burn your leg on it. What's the issue?

[Tony B]

agree with Tone - I wouldn't touch the stuff again, when I was running a Zetec it basically rusted away two manifolds

more expensive but ceramic coating is better if its supressing engine bay heat, looks better too

[russtik]

Question 1: is it worth heat wrapping the manifold? And why?

One of the more credible reasons is exhaust gas speed; keeping the heat inside the pipe leads to faster flowing exhaust gases which potentially has advantages in emptying the combustion chamber.

Would I wrap a manifold? No, not unless I was advised to by someone who I believe to be a great exhaust system designer while taking into account my exact engine & exhaust specification.

The question of reducing radiated heat is a little tenuous IMO as it could be argued that better engine bay airflow management could negate this while at the same time shielding sensitive components like starter motors and wiring.

[Weathers]

Thanks chaps. Was thinking about engine bay temp and saw some that was reasonably priced so WAS tempted to give it a go. But if it’s likely to begger up manifolds and/or exhausts then I think I’ll leave well alone.

Thanks again for your input.

[David T]

The faster you go, the more engine bay airflow. Just saying. Mine only gets really hot when stopped, but then a decent fan blows most of the heat out (and into footwell )

[leegav]

When i had my custom exhaust system built by Simpson Exhausts i asked if it should be wrapped or ceramic coated.. he told me its a waste of time ceramic coating it... He said you will not notice any difference in my car... you may as well wrap 400 quid round the manifold. Agree with others on exhaust wrap too.. I used it on the exhaust before and it rusted away the exhaust, trapped loads of crap and it gives you almighty itching and rashes any time you go near it..

[Weathers]

That’s it settled then.... no rapping it wrapping for me!