Has anyone noticed how the underside of the clamshell that sits directly over the muffler can develop small cracks from the heat generated by the muffler. I have always been concerned about this area because it fits so very close to the muffler. The heat buildup there can be significant.
Engine heat affecting clamshell??
- Thread starter bob700
- Start date
BlackICE
GT Owner
Wasn't a big concern to me. The brick OEM muffler was replaced within 1200 miles with a cat back system. My paint and plastic vents still look great. They were tested in the heat of TX during Rally 4!
DanQ
GT Owner
For those keeping the stock exhaust, I wonder if some heat reflecting foil might not be a good thing to add?
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=1838
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=1838
THamonGT
GT
That is what I had done. Some heat insulation material was applied across that area to protect the clamshell. Looks good and was not expensive. That area where the heat has the most effect on the clamshell is also the main support for the clamshell. I want to maintain that area's integrity.
THamonGT
GT
Kingman
GT Owner
Pictures
Here is a pic. Some of the color you see is the resin which in itself acts as a heat barrier also.
Here is a pic. Some of the color you see is the resin which in itself acts as a heat barrier also.
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Kingman
GT Owner
Thank you for the follow up pic. Did you use the same reflective film from Pegasus?
Do any of the aftermarket mufflers have any insulation material?
Or is the hot gas contained only by a single layer of metal?
(With no insulation material surounding the can portion of the muffler)
Or is the hot gas contained only by a single layer of metal?
(With no insulation material surounding the can portion of the muffler)
Bob700: Thanks for the picture.
I wonder if there is a benefit of putting reflective material over more surface area of the underside of the clamshell (longer lifespan of the clamshell, less long term damage to paint on clamshell,etc.)?
And the opposite -- would there be any detriment to covering more of the clamshell (reflecting too much heat back into the engine compartment, overheating the glass window, etc.)?
I wonder if there is a benefit of putting reflective material over more surface area of the underside of the clamshell (longer lifespan of the clamshell, less long term damage to paint on clamshell,etc.)?
And the opposite -- would there be any detriment to covering more of the clamshell (reflecting too much heat back into the engine compartment, overheating the glass window, etc.)?
Anyone ever document what the under hood temps are?
Before and after a modification.
Some method to determine the amount of change?
Hot to the touch is too course an increment. .
Before and after a modification.
Some method to determine the amount of change?
Hot to the touch is too course an increment. .
I was thinking about doing my own temperature testing. I am trying to figure out how to get a temp probe inside the engine bay that can measure ambient temps.
The things I wanted to test were: A. The "license plate spacer" idea (which sounds good given the huge hole sitting behind the license plate), B. The "muffler cover" developed by a fellow board member who works with thermal material, C. Reflective material placed on the underside of the clamshell.
The key is to replicate testing conditions on each attempt (e.g. Outside temp, length of drive, similar RPM, similar starts/stops, etc). No easy feat but if I can find time to test, and conduct similar test runs, I will post results.
The things I wanted to test were: A. The "license plate spacer" idea (which sounds good given the huge hole sitting behind the license plate), B. The "muffler cover" developed by a fellow board member who works with thermal material, C. Reflective material placed on the underside of the clamshell.
The key is to replicate testing conditions on each attempt (e.g. Outside temp, length of drive, similar RPM, similar starts/stops, etc). No easy feat but if I can find time to test, and conduct similar test runs, I will post results.
fjpikul
GT Owner
I have a few low buck thermocouple readouts I have been using.
For real time measurements.
That along with K-type wire, fused on the end.
Becomes a fine thermocouple for under hood air temp.
As well as a method to measure a surface temp.
Also have a solution for data logging the data if required.