SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1539923
HEAT PROTECTION Insulation And Shielding For Heat Management By Mike Vieira Protecting your vehicle’s vital components and yourself from engine and exhaust heat is an important part of off-road and racing preparation. Excess heat can damage or prematurely deteriorate virtually any under-hood parts, such as electronics, rubber parts, and brake lines, which can potentially take you out of a race or leave you stranded in the desert. Drivers and co-drivers also suffer when heat saps energy and critical thinking abilities. Managing heat to acceptable levels for both people and components can be achieved by heat shielding and/or by insulation. We spoke with experts in the field of heat management, who offered their best advice on avoiding troubles caused by high temperatures. Chris Schwartz, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Heatshield Products, and Steve Garrett, the Marketing Director at Design Engineering Inc., agree that anything and everything vital to your vehicle’s systems needs protection from excessive heat, of which exhaust systems are the main source of heat problems. They also agree that insulation on the outside or inside of the firewall and transmission tunnel creates an effective barrier to keep the vehicle interior at a comfortable and safe temperature for occupants. In cases where a heat shield is used to block exhaust heat from components or the passenger compartment, airflow is an important factor to consider. Steve Garrett says, “Because air is a natural insulator, creating space between the heat source and the shielding allows much of the heat to dissipate before it reaches sensitive areas.” Chris Schwartz adds, “Air flow is just as important as the shield you are using. Heat shields can easily heat soak without proper air flow, and it should be taken into account anytime you build an exhaust system.” The evolution of new insulating materials is providing better, longer-lasting protection than past methods, with Garrett mentioning Design Engineering Inc.’s EXO Wrap exhaust wrap, which uses a stainless steel mesh exoskeleton to resist damage from rocks and other debris, and blocks 50 percent of radiant heat from headers and exhausts. Schwartz touts Heatshield Products’ basalt fiber Lava product that uses crushed volcanic rock that’s reheated into a fiber, as well as silica-based products, used in their Armor and Inferno Wrap products, both of which withstand much more heat and are far more durable than the fiberglass commonly used for earlier insulation needs. On the benefits of proper heat management for racers, Chris Schwartz says, “When exhaust gases flow, you get better performance. By insulating the exhaust, you keep the gases hotter, and they leave the system faster.” In addition to the power gains, Steve Garrett adds, “The greatest value lies in protecting components, extending their lifespan, and ensuring driver and passenger safety. Excessive heat accelerates the breakdown of electronics, fluids, and internal parts, and can create hazardous conditions inside the vehicle.” More casual off-roaders can appreciate those benefits of protection and comfort as well, as Schwartz says, “A little shielding here and there can keep you in the game, on the track, or in the dunes longer.” Garrett concurs, saying, “You’ll be able to enjoy longer off-road adventures by staying more comfortable in your rig, while also gaining peace of mind knowing your vehicle is better protected against thermal breakdown and expensive repairs.” SOURCES Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) designengineering.com Heatshield Products heatshieldproducts.com Floor and Tunnel Shields from DEI provides a barrier to reflect and insulate from any heat sources up to 1750-degrees F. It’s constructed with an embossed aluminum face, bonded to a composite glass-fiber core, and backed with a super-strong adhesive. At 3/16-inch thickness, it can easily be contoured and trimmed to fit specific requirements. Available in different sizes in silver or black Heatshield Product’s Sticky Shield is constructed with a Kool Core insulation layer and an aluminum face for strength and durability. The lightweight shield protects critical components from up to 1100 degrees F. of continuous heat, and 2000 degrees F. for short periods. It reflects up to 90-percent of radiant heat, and the peel-and-stick backing allows it to adhere to most smooth surfaces. The 0.125-inch thick material is easily cut with scissors or a utility knife, and is available in various sizes Reflect-A-GOLD Heat Shield from DEI is constructed with a metalized polyimide laminated to a lightweight glass fiber cloth with an adhesive backing. The 0.0065-inch thick material is designed for use on firewalls, fuel cells, engine covers, seat bottoms, and any other area that needs protection from radiant heat of up to 800 degrees F. Available in various sizes of sheets or rolls Inferno Exhaust Wrap by Heatshield Products, uses a durable silica yarn that withstands continuous temperatures of 2000 degrees F., and intermittent temperatures of 3000 degrees F. Perfect for use on manifolds, headers, and turbo piping, the material stays flexible and stands up to harsh conditions, while reducing engine bay and compartment heat by up to 50 percent. Available in various widths and in 50 or 100-foot rolls.