Exhaust Manifold Wrap Rolls and How They are Different

High performance vehicles typically produce a serious amount of heat.  The effects of extreme heat can lead to early engine part failures and lower total performance.  One of the simplest procedures to reduce this heat, and receive the benefits from reduced engine compartment temperatures, is to apply exhaust wrap.

Exhaust wraps are frequently sold in rolls and can be installed on the exhaust manifolds or headers without having to remove them.  The installation procedure may be completed by nearly any vehicle owner which has the proper tools and desire to complete the job safely.

While there are many types of exhaust wrap rolls available, they are typically made from one of two compounds.  The least expensive exhaust wrap rolls are made from glass fiber.  This glass fiber offers limited temperature control capabilities, but is the hardest wrap to apply.  In most situations, glass fiber exhaust wraps are first soaked in water before applying them.  This permits the exhaust wrap to better form to difficult curves.  Glass fiber wraps need to have a high temperature silicone coating sprayed on the completed exhaust wrap.  The silicone coating shields the wrap from dirt and road debris which may come into contact with the finished exhaust wrap.

The leading exhaust wraps are made from pulverized lava rock.  These wraps are typically sold online as titanium exhaust wrap rolls or other similar name.  Pulverized lava rock is better designed to withstand the extreme temperatures from exhaust manifolds and headers.  The thermal rating for these wraps is also much higher then those which are designed with glass fiber.  Automotive enthusiasts also find that titanium wrap does not need to be put on when wet and doesn't need a finished outer coating of high temperature silicone.  Titanium exhaust wrap is the most durable and quickest to apply wrap currently on the market.

Limiting the heat in the engine compartment has many benefits which can be realized with improved horsepower and prolonged engine component life.  Especially in high horsepower cars, the application of exhaust manifold wrap is highly recommended and will pay for itself over time.