I am considering wrapping my downpipe when I get it cause I have a bunch of header wrap laying around, but I was wondering if its even worth my time? Will crud build up on it real bad and is it going to make tones of steam when driving in the rain?

 

I just used Reflec-a-shield adhesive backed sheet and covered the oil pan where the downpipe goes by it and works great.

 

Thats cool but I dont have a pile if reflect-a-shield laying in my garage.

 

lmao.

There are plenty of arguments that heat wrap can restrict/improve exhaust flow, but I do know that it will quiet the exhaust up a bit.

 

I've had mine wrapped with 2" Thermotec since June. There's no steam when it rains. It actually still looks very clean and new.

 

you'll need more spacers......

 

You will only benifit by keeping the heat inside the DP, as it will keep the gases moving at a high rate of flow and protect the surrounding area from excessive heat. The down side would be if you ever leak any oil onto it, it could act like a wick that is hard to extinquish(sp).

 

I say wrap it since you have it. Barely rains in Cali anyways? Now ohio/midwest on the other hand I would condemn wrapping. Rain, snow, salt...arghh.

 

some say that heat wrap causes pre-mature failure of aftermarket stainless steel dowpipes..search "heat wrap"

 

I have used aluminized cloth wrapped over header wrap to protect it from getting wet and soaking up oil.

http://www.hdmworld.com/heatshield.htm

Just cut into 2 inch wide long strips, fold the edges down and wrap it around the pipe with the silver side out..secure with safty wire or those metal bands that u can get from summit. only bad thing is once damaged the aluminum might peel back some, but then you can always patch it with a new strip too. good thing it that it keeps more heat in.

 

Wrap it up baby!

 

That was what I thought until:


Tried DP heat wrapping and the boost would fall off to 17psi at redline. I researched the topic and found that it caused a decrease in temp differential across the turbine so the air velocity also decreased.

Removed $40 of heat wrap and I was back to 20psi at redline

 

I never heard of any problems of heat wrap. People wrap because oil is above the downpipe. To keep it cool you need to wrap it. I live in the midwest, dont worry bout rain ex. The only thing wrap is going to do is keep the heat in so it might put extra stress on the hangers. Buy a quality downpipe so rust does not happen.

 

That is crazy to here that was caused by some wrap, It was probably a boost leak of some soart or exhaust leak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I've had mine wrapped for 2 years and it has been great. It keep everything under the car cooler. It doesn't cause boost to fall either. The only negative it might have is a little extra weight
After I covered mine I also sprayed it with high temp paint which works great to seal it up somewhat and keep it from absorbing water.