Exhaust Pipe Wrap
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Exhaust Pipe Wrap
On my latest project I found that I was running into some close quarters in and around my 2-1/2 inch exhaust pipe. I have a transmission cooler on one side and an E-stopp emergency brake actuator on the other. After speaking with the respective device manufacturers I decided that I needed some exhaust pipe heat insulation just to be sure that I would not cook these devices. After some research on the subject I decided to go with the titanium exhaust wrap that is shown in the photo. I am not sure about numbers yet with respect to percentage of heat radiated but from the documentation I feel that it will provide the isolation that I need. This wrap is a fiberglass that is made from lava rock...the rock is melted and formed into glass fibers then woven into this wrap. I see a number of racing bikes/cars using this wrap so there must be something to it. Has anyone else used this wrap on their exhaust systems? Any pros or cons?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 100
From: Marana, Arizona
I used it on a Toyota engine swap in my 4x4. The new V6 exhaust crosses over the back of the engine between engine and fire wall.
I put it on about 3 years ago and still working great. I put it on several areas in my engine compartment where exhaust came close to wiring and sensors.
There are those that say it will rust out your pipes but, I'm in AZ. and no issues so far. If it gets wet it drys right out anyway.
I put it on about 3 years ago and still working great. I put it on several areas in my engine compartment where exhaust came close to wiring and sensors.
There are those that say it will rust out your pipes but, I'm in AZ. and no issues so far. If it gets wet it drys right out anyway.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
I didn't give any thought to rust but I can see where that would be a consideration. I built the exhaust system myself so I know that the pipes are "aluminized" and have 3 coats of VHT paint on them under the wrap. When I installed the wrap the instructions said to wet it first. It took a couple of days to dry but I would think that the dry time would be cut much shorter if the engine were run and the pipes heated up. I am hoping that this El Nino brings lots of rain to SoCal this year so I will have to keep an eye on how wet the wrap gets/stays. Thanks for the input...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,290
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I used it on a section of my header that is close to the steering box, and on another area close to the main battery cable (more for electrical insulating value than heat). I had painted the headers with a VHT-like product, it's long gone under the wrap. I've heard the rust issue too, I think it's coming from the motorcycle world where the pipes are much more exposed to weather (bikes parked outside).
I think a tin shield like OEM is far better, but also much harder to fab in tight quarters, and always the possibility of rattles.
I think a tin shield like OEM is far better, but also much harder to fab in tight quarters, and always the possibility of rattles.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
I remember a friend bought a truck that the headers that were wrap... As we were pulling apart the to do a rebuild... when he grabbed one of the tubes of the headers all that was holding the shape was the wrap.. Every tube had melted and/or rusted.
I have a question about your trans cooler, are you adding a fan and/or shroud to force air threw the cooler
I have a question about your trans cooler, are you adding a fan and/or shroud to force air threw the cooler
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 11
From: Crossville, Tn
I wondered the same thing as it doesnt appear that it would get any air flow in that position.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,558
Likes: 8,228
From: northwestern Ontario
Regarding the wrap the manufacturers of headers won't go good on their warranty if wrapped. That's what is written with my Sanderson's.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Pros are it works very well to control heat. I didn't read all the responses yet and I'm sure somebody mentioned corrosion potential by now.
I know some or all header manufacturers will void a warranty. I ran some on my Mustang for a sort time and you can definitely tell exactly where it was or was not installed.
I know some or all header manufacturers will void a warranty. I ran some on my Mustang for a sort time and you can definitely tell exactly where it was or was not installed.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
I just woke up and Im typing with absolutely no filters on my brain yet so don't laugh to hard, but. Does ,and if not why doesn't somebody come up with different of lengths of exhaust that are constructed like double wall chimney used on wood stoves. Seems to this dummy (me) that it would be perfect in situations like Charlies. To be used only where needed obviously. By the way Charlie that looks super clean under there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
I just woke up and Im typing with absolutely no filters on my brain yet so don't laugh to hard, but. Does ,and if not why doesn't somebody come up with different of lengths of exhaust that are constructed like double wall chimney used on wood stoves. Seems to this dummy (me) that it would be perfect in situations like Charlies. To be used only where needed obviously. By the way Charlie that looks super clean under there.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Here is a photo of the trans cooler setup. All lines are -6 AN. Cooler is a Derale unit with an 8 inch fan built in. Air flow is down. Cooler is protected above and below by the frame crossmembers. Aeromotive filter is a 10 micron with a stainless steel element that can be removed and cleaned...no disposable paper elements. Fluid exits the trans, passes through the filter, passes through the cooler, and returns to the trans. Fan operation will be controlled via temp sensor. I am not anticipating the fan to be running very often but we'll see after the project is on the road.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
Most of the time it is space considerations, or you could just route the pipe a little different. A double walled pipe would have to be pretty large O.D. to work. Making a heat shield for the item you are protecting works well too, but Charlie is up against some tight quarters. Exhaust pipe is not that expensive so he has probaby found the best solution.
If you have to have everything where the are right now then I think it's good, but I'm sorry, I think moving either the cooler and/or E-brake to make more room is better for a street vehicle... Otherwise if it's a trailer queen you wouldn't need the wrap...
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 29
From: in a barn
Had the same experience, header tubes fell apart in my hands while removing the wrap. I know I will never use wrap again on headers, but the exhaust pipes dont get nearly as hot so it may not be an issue down stream of the header. I paint my exhaust system pipes with plain old black spray paint and they dont get hot enough to burn it off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
I hear you and not trying to get in a back and forth. After the build I can look at my truck (and probably your truck), and I would do a few things a little different next time. Here we are talking about an exhaust pipe I could repair for twenty bucks. He spent more than that on tack rags painting his truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 27
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
By the looks of your set up,you may try building a heat shield around your cooler and e-brake system. It will block the heat and assist cooling at the same time. SS would look really good. Good luck.