Engine Power: The Role of Heat Management in Vehicle Performance

Heat is a by-product of engine power. The more powerful the engine, the more heat it produces. Managing temperatures involves elaborate systems, including cooling parts like radiators and water pumps that circulate coolant throughout the engine. While estimates vary between 25 and 40 per cent of overall power, a large portion of heat and usable energy is lost in exhaust gas. This too needs to be contained to prevent potential damage from radiating heat on adjacent car parts.  

Keeping higher temperatures within the exhaust tubing has its benefits. Tech derived from racing applications, such as reliable exhaust wraps and heat shields, is now available to the wider tuning and modding community. These relatively low-tech but efficient heat management materials are necessary for power upgrades in production cars, such as forced induction, timing and ignition changes or milling cylinder heads for increased compression. They keep heat within the system and aid performance. 

Exhaust Wraps Basics 

Wraps used on exhaust headers and piping consist of woven layers of heat-resistant materials. The main purpose is to contain heat in the system, thereby improving exhaust flow and engine efficiency. In simple terms, more heat in the exhaust translates to less heat in the engine bay, thereby protecting vital engine components from radiating heat from hot engine parts like the turbo and exhaust manifold. 

Wraps used in conjunction with heat shields additionally increase intake and combustion efficiency. By carefully managing engine temperatures and limiting radiating heat, cooler and oxygen-rich intake air improves combustion to create bigger bangs. And this means better performance. 

Benefits Exhaust Wraps Provide 

• Increased power and torque – higher exhaust velocity and improved scavenging add horsepower and torque without switching to wider exhaust tubing or costlier exhaust systems. Wraps additionally help to lower air intake temperatures, leading to cleaner combustion and bigger bangs. 
• Improved heat management – reducing engine bay temperatures from hot manifolds and headers and protecting fragile components including nearby rubber hoses or plastic coolant tanks is one reason to use exhaust wrap. The materials are applied in overlapping layers on hot parts to prevent heat from escaping and increase engine and parts reliability. 
• Safety – prevent parts damage, fire hazards, flaking paint and other instances of radiating heat with heat wrap with high heat resistance. The materials can also keep motorcyclists comfier and cooler by preventing burns from hot tubing. 
• Sound insulation – an often overlooked benefit is reducing vibrations, noise and rattling sound from the exhaust piping which leads to a comfier driving experience. 
• Aesthetics – tuned and modded cars also benefit from the neatly applied header and exhaust wrap sold in different colours and materials. This goes well with other additions in improving aesthetic appeal, especially with the bonnet up. 

Main Types 

Not all exhaust wraps are created equal. Differences in temperature resistance, durability and looks will determine what you buy. Two types -fibreglass and titanium wraps are more common. Choose fibreglass for improved heat management and protection from radiating heat in non-modded production cars. The wrap can withstand up to 500 degrees without melting or deforming. While cheaper, it needs to be pre-wetted before applying, due to its brittleness.  

Titanium header and exhaust wraps are derived directly from motorsport applications and engines producing extreme heat and power numbers. You get material from crushed basalt rock, which is then woven into a fabric. With a continuous temperature rating of 1200 degrees (and ceilings of 1800 degrees in short power bursts), titanium wrap is more than capable of containing higher temperatures in extensively modified or turbocharged cars. Coming in gold, it also has visual appeal, particularly on exposed or stained piping. 

Buying Considerations 

The choice between fibreglass and titanium wraps also includes intended use and pricing. With higher durability, steeper temperature ratings, overall neater looks and simpler and faster installation, titanium meets more customer needs across different vehicle types. It also withstands common chemicals like oil and coolant, is more flexible and lasts longer without deteriorating. The added benefits don’t cost that much more for a roll of the same length and width. 

For all other uses consider fibreglass variants. When buying, also take into account that wider header pipes, downpipes and catalytic converters are wrapped in 50 mm wrap and the rest of the exhaust tubing in narrower 20-25 mm variants. For a tighter fit, also look for kits with included cable ties. These prevent the wrap from unravelling once applied. 

Installation 

Installation is relatively straightforward. Remove brackets, O2 sensors and other equipment, and ensure the piping is cool to the touch. Thoroughly clean pipes and the header of all contaminants to ensure a clean fit. Measure the exhaust pipes and cut the wrap accordingly. As mentioned, fibreglass types need pre-wetting in lukewarm water to adhere to the piping. 

Wrap headers beginning with the flanges, and work your way with overlaps of half the width of the wrap. With the headers fully covered, use the supplied heat-resistant cable ties to tighten the material. Cut excess wrap if necessary and repeat the process for each exhaust pipe of the header, ensuring a neat and uniform appearance. Complete the process by allowing the wrap to cure and running the engine at idle to allow the material to fully adhere and form a tight seal.