Problems from wrapping exhaust?

[InvisiBill]

Thermotec sells a kit specifically for turbochargers. It covers the exhaust half of the turbo and the downpipe. To me it makes more sense to keep as much heat out of the engine bay as possible, rather than trying to insulate everything else from the heat coming out of the exhaust. Maybe do the CAC and/or other parts just to be safe, but nip the problem in the bud so to speak.

I thought I remembered someone mentioning the exhaust getting too hot or something though. On a stock Sy, would using one of those Thermotec turbo kits cause any problems? I know some people use those turbo blankets, but does anyone have any experience with the whole turbo kits?

 

[Ian Turgeon]

as far as I've heard the wrap keeps the metals hotter longer, and eventually can break them down.

If I'd know for sure that my downpipe wouldnt decentigrate under an exhaust wrap, it would be done by now.

 

[V6 Kompressor]

I work on school buses sometimes and the downpipe from the turbo on these things are wrapped with the same stuff. I know these pipes are mild steel also and the ones with 100 to 150 k miles on them just need re-wrapping. The pipes look good and the buses are 90 to 91 models. They have a spray on coating now that is supposed to waterproof the wrap, to keep moisture from getting caught inside and rusting the pipes... All of the Parts pro-trucks are running this wrap, but they don't race in the rain... Pussies... :lol:

 

[2cold]

One problem I know of is getting the fiberglass in your arms and itching like crazy after you work around the stuff. If your gonna do it soak the stuff in water before you wrap the pipe it seems to shed less glass into your skin that way.

 

[rockvillespeed]

all header companies will void warranty if wrapped.
i have seen headers multiple times rust out AROUND the wrap after a while, but under the wrap always looks good.
i recommend using it - i do on everything i have.

 

[ghostrider_85]

one thing to keep in mind. if engine oil gets on the wrap, you may have a potential fire on your hands.

 

[SyTyJedi]

one thing to keep in mind. if engine oil gets on the wrap, you may have a potential fire on your hands.

I think it's transmission oil actually...

 

[rockvillespeed]

true on both counts
i rec spraying it with their special paint, and NOT being a slob

 

[InvisiBill]

http://www.thermotec.com/tt/turbo.html

That's what I'm talking about, to clear up any possible confusion...

Is it somehow worse to get oil on the wrapped exhaust than on a regular exhaust? It seems like the outside of the wrap would be cooler, and that would make it less likely to start a fire if something got on it...

 

[Ian Turgeon]

without a spray protectant, the oil can soak into the fabric. A small leak can become a huge burning issue with that.

Where in a normal condition, that small leak would probly just burn off, only letting you know with a foul smell.

Of course if anything were to come loose and spray trans oil everywhere, your pretty much gonna have to spray it down with flame retardant, wrap or not.

 

[vortecfiero]

also keep in mind that fibre glass burns really nicely on it's own.
(dont even say It)
any kind of oil soaked in is a bonus

will salty water from winter driving get up to that spot ? (I'm thinking the
down pipe)
my 1st exhaust system rotted out only under the wrap after 2 years,
even though it was painted