I KNOW that this sounds totally ghetto, and LOOKS ridiculous, but there is a real benefit to it. I have a link to a thread, and will look for it later today, but I just wanted to post this idea.

Along the tubing fhr CAIs and even the "hybrid" type setups (frankencar, weapon-R) or homebrew intake, I have seen results where wrapping the tube in a windshield sunscreen (the reflective kind) can significantly lower intake temps. This was tested using one of those indoor/outdoor thermometors with the dual probes. I will look fo rthe link, but I know it was done.

This was on a 4.0L I-6 Jeep engine in a Cherokee, but it showed intake temp differences even in a large, uncluttered engine bay such as that. I know that when I had a "CAI" for my jeep, the intake tubing into the TB was hot to the touch after even a short run, once the engine bay was warmed up. Guys did this with both homebrew intakes and a real K&N FIPK kit (plastic tubing) and saw temperature differences that theoretically equate to performance differences.

Well, thanks for listening to my rant. Argue away...

 

hmmmm....

 

Summit has this already for you to put on. A guy in Atlanta with a S/C has it on his car. Don't know about performance gains necessarily since the colder air is still going into a hot intake. I'm sure it would help, just don't know how much.


http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=18556

 

For $49, I could make 6 or 7 of the ones using a sunshade.

A good idea, though, if you want ti to look decent...

 

I also have wrap on my SC Piping.



IanS

 

What kinda wrap is that?? and where can i find it..?

 

Is this the same "insulation" concept applied when people use header wrap to keep their exhaust hot?

 

Wish I knew. It came on the piping when I bought the SC from Loren.

IanS

 

what does sc stand for?

 

SC = Supercharger...really loud whistling sound, might give you 5+ hp

 

Stop trying to confuse the poor soul!

Try 110hp at the wheels....heh.



IanS

 

Yes/no...

Wraping intake = keeping engine heat away from intake...keeps air cooler.

Wrapping headers = Trying to keep the "under hood" temps down.

NEVER, never wrap your headers! This will cause them to crack and will void manufacturers warranty.

I only know of 1 aftermarket company who sells headers for the Max.

 

-you don't mind the possibility of an engine fire.

That sunshade material is foil on the outside, but plastic on the inside (the bubbles). It may not be the best choice for that application.

On the other hand, the type of wrap material used on iansw's s/c tubing is specifically designed for high-heat applications and has a very high flashpoint*, unlike the plastic inside the sunshades. Most performance shops and even many auto parts stores carry it as "header wrap."

For the same reason, one should avoid using PVC tubing in hybrid intake or venting projects and instead use ABS plastic tubing, which is high-heat tolerant and what your car's stock intake plumbing is constructed of. . .

-My .02 cents-

PS: Just so there's no confusion, I agree entirely with the idea of insulating intake tubing for the purpose of lowering ambient intake air temps. It's not really even debatable - cooler air = better air as far as your engine is concerned. It's just a matter of doing it the right way using materials that don't put you, your passengers, or your car at risk.

If you add anything to your engine bay, be sure it's up to the demands of that severe operating environment. (= HIGH TEMP ONLY)

Enjoy the ride!

*temperature at which a material spontaneously combusts.

 

The wrap used on the SC piping is the same, I believe. I cannot be sure, b/c it is not my car, but it LOOKS the same.
Regardig engine fire-
You make a good point. My experience with the sunshade was 2nd-hand. The guy who first proposed it lives in Saudi Arabia, and has run the sunshade for about 2 years. That is not to say that it is safe, but his conditions are pretty extreme. Jeeps are notorious for high underhood tems for some reason, but your warning is cretainly a valid one. I just knwo of a few guys running it w/o problems SO FAR...

 

try www.thermotec.com for all of your under hood insulating needs.