Alongside air and fuel, heat is the third most important factor when it comes to an engine running in the most efficient manner possible. But the thing with heat is that it needs to be in a certain range otherwise it can affect the engine quite negatively. Too much of it can cause irreversible damage, too little and it can make an engine run quite badly.
Therefore, taking care of trapped heat or isolating it completely is necessary depending on what your engine needs more or less of. This is done with the help of heat shield wrap which also improves the reliability of your engine and longevity.
Heat Shield Materials
Aluminium
Heat shield materials are not as varying as the type of heat shield products you can find to put on your exhaust. For instance, there is an aluminium heat shield barrier which is the most affordable but also the most versatile solution. Why is that so? Because aluminium heat shield wrap allows you to bend it rather easily without sacrificing its structural integrity. It's also able to withstand high temperatures.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass automotive heat shield tape is another easy-to-apply solution that can handle high temperatures. But keep in mind that although more malleable than aluminium, fibreglass isn't as tough which means you have to be more careful when installing it and wary of other components coming in contact with the material as they can damage it.
Titanium
The strongest, lightest and most heat-resistant material you can find an automotive heat shield tape made of is titanium. Titanium heat shields are the most expensive just because they are also the longest-lasting solution. If you plan to take your vehicle on the track regularly, then a titanium heat shield barrier is what you should get.
How to Wrap Your Exhaust with a Heat Shield Wrap
Prepare
The key to any successful job is preparation and having everything you need ready to go will make things a lot easier. You'll need a bucket of water, a dust mask, gloves, safety glasses and scissors or a utility knife. When you've gained access to the part of the exhaust you want to cover up, all you need to do is start with the bucket.
Soak
It's extremely important that you soak the heat shield before you use it as this will make it a lot easier to install it. Despite being heavier it's actually going to stick to the metal much easier than it would when applied dry. Soak the material especially if it's fibreglass but avoid this completely if it's a coloured wrap.
Wrapping
1. This is the most exciting part as you get to put the material on the exhaust. This is where you want to start slow and keep it that way. Make sure that when you do the first wrap around you tighten the material around the exhaust as much as possible. The better the contact the more efficiently the wrap will do its job.
2. Then, every following layer of wrap should overlap the previous one for about 50% of its surface. If you come over a split in the exhaust you should to both pipes separately and you'll need to cut off at each end. Once at the end give the material one last hard pull.
Clip
Once the material is all around the exhaust, you need to secure it in place by putting metal jubilee clips on the ends. You should also put clips where the piping separates in order to keep everything firmly in place.
Let it Smoke
When you have all the clips on it's time to put the part of the exhaust you took out, back in place and start your car. Once the engine is up to temperature, the exhaust will start to smoke where the heat shield is. This is completely normal and you should let the moisture from the wrap evaporate which is probably best to run the engine until there's no more smoke.
Paint (Optional)
With the heat shield now dry there is one extra step to go over before you get to the final bit. This is, however, not mandatory especially if you already have a painted wrap. This can be done with a spray can, just make sure you apply it evenly.
Finishing Touches
Last but not least you should check every bit of material you put on your exhaust in case something is sticking out and cut it as it can easily impede the heat dissipation of other components and you don't want that to happen, unless that's what you aim for.
Conclusion
Heat shield barrier may be an aftermarket solution to stock issues but it can be quite an effective one if applied correctly. Also, as long as you choose the right material for your needs and the issues your engine is experiencing you won't have to worry about anything.
