A big enemy of engine performance comes from the engine compartment
. High temperatures will dramatically lower engine horsepower production and also may result in premature engine part failure. Fortunately, a simple exhaust wrap product can significantly reduce the engine compartment heat by nearly fifty percent.
With various exhaust wrap products on store shelves, it can be difficult for vehicle owners to determine which item is best for their vehicle. Generally, exhaust wraps fall into two main categories. The lowest rated exhaust wrap rolls are designed from glass fiber. The highest rated wrap rolls are created from pulverized lava stone and normally are rated to handle much more heat then the less expensive glass fiber header and exhaust manifold wraps.
There are quite a few high performance car owners which question the benefit of wrapping their exhaust manifolds and headers. Lowering the heat in the engine compartment by nearly half is noteworthy. Reduced under-hood heat will reduce the air and fuel temperatures prior to the combustion cycle. Cooler air and fuel temperatures allow for a much greater efficient combustion process and the production of more power.
Nearly any automotive enthusiast that has worked on a vehicle knows the impact cracked vacuum lines and hoses may have on engine performance. Especially when racing, this loss in performance may damage costly engine components. Lowering the engine compartment temperature will shield rubber belts and lines from the extreme heat that forces them to crack. This alone may save a notable amount of money in future repair costs.
Applying exhaust wrap rolls is a relatively easy process that can be handled by most vehicle owners that have the right tooling. The wraps are applied on the exhaust manifolds or headers without having to take them off the vehicle. Every wrap must overlap by a quarter of an inch and be secured with special high temperature stainless steel ties. Once installed, the exhaust wrap will provide the car owner the benefits of much lower engine compartment temperatures.
Exhaust wrap rolls are not new to the automotive circle, however they have been improved upon over time. Crushed lava rock exhaust wrap rolls presently on the market provide optimal protection from the damaging effects of heat. And for less then a $100, the performance gains from a correctly installed wrap is well worth the price.