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Originally Posted by AtomicLabMonkey
Quote:
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Originally Posted by sperry
IIRC, the normal reason for getting exhaust pipes coated/wrapped is because it make the exhaust expand more (i.e. retain heat in the pipe) for quicker spool. Not really for cooling the engine compartment, although that would be a side benefit.
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When you start running a car on track for extended periods of time, the real reason for header wrap/shield(s) is to keep the radiant heat from hitting everything around the exhaust. Even on a N/A car (I'd imagine turbo exhaust would be even hotter) anything that's not metal starts melting, believe me.
The first time I rode along in our racecar, part of my shoe sole melted off where it was touching the bare transmission tunnel/firewall... |
Well, after a 30 minute session at Thunderhill the plastic bits (including the hose for my I/C waterspray that's bone dry just sitting there next to the exhaust) is still intact, so I'm not really getting things quite that hot. 'Course 30 minutes on track vs. a 45 min race in a prepped race car is a bit different...
I think a heat shield might be a pretty good idea on my car for Solo events... I spend an awful lot of time spraying water on my I/C after each run just trying to get it back down to ambient... and after my 3rd or 4rd run, I simply can't get it down under 100F before my next run!