19 replies to this topic

[rhys-89]

On my mk1 I noticed my exhaust tunnel gets hot as its obviously running but instead of trying to fit some kind of heat shield to the body which would more than likely rattle would it be best to buy exhaust wrap to lock in the heat a bit ? Has anyone else done this and what results have you had ?

[Tommyboy12]

It reduces surrounding temperatures quite substantially but the heat stays in the exhaust system which can cause some serious fatigue in the exhaust materials. Cracking and failure is common with exhaust wrap.

[JackF]

I will watch this thread closely, I've wrapped my exhaust manifold... Rightly or wrongly I'm not sure.

[rhys-89]

Ah ok pros an cons

[rally1380]

Manifolds can fail really badly with wrapping them.

 

How about some stick on reflective stuff that you could help reduce the temps?

 

Trouble with that is any moisture that gets behind can get trapped and aid rusting - not a mini's best friend.

 

Could try painting the exhaust tunnel (underneath not inside) with a reflective paint of some sort??  Never done it, never heard of it being done (i'm sure it has though) but this would not trap moisture.  It's an idea anyway.

[Tommyboy12]

It has its advantages but the enclosed nature of the Mini's exhaust system are not ideal for wrapping, especially the manifold. Ive heard of manifolds melting and cracking quite quickly when wrapped. That being said, ive also heard of examples where it hasn't. A ceramic coating on the system would be a better option.

[rhys-89]

Thanks guys not sure what I'll do its not been a problem for the 50 years of the car. Lol

[matty...]

It all depends on the thickness of the exhaust. If its thin wall then it will crack a lot sooner if it is wrapped than if it wasn't, as the temperature is being held longer at higher temps. A lot of centre sections are made of thick gauge material like 1.8mm so it is less of an issue and the temps are lower than the manifold temps.

[rhys-89]

I was only thinking of wrapping the exhaust section that runs through the tunnel not worried about manifold. Im not after any better performance just to turn the heat down a little so to speak. Its just you standard exhust fitted to my mk1 850

[89miniflame]

never had this problem to be honest, is the exhaust hanging to closely to the floor maybe ?

[rhys-89]

Its a standard exhaust hanging from all new mounts so should be too high/close

[jpw1275]

I have a maniflow manifold wrapped .......... I'm now hoping it will be ok lol

Cheers james

[jagman.2003]

I've wrapped my manifolds for quite a few years with no problems.

This has helped reduce the engine bay temperatures.

Never had any heat problems with the main exhaust system.

Edited by jagman.2003, 13 August 2015 - 01:11 PM.

[Steve220]

I've had wrapped exhausts my entire driving life. Never once had a long branch manifold crack or melt. For turbo applications I'd always have the manifold ceramic coated for an equal coverage to prevent hot/cold spots (which causes cracking) then the down pipe would be done from the elbow to around mid way down the car. The logic behind heat wrapping is to keep the surface of the inside superheating the gasses allowing them to flow faster.

[Mini Manannán]

My Maniflow has been wrapped for 18 months without problems.