User 4221

I'm in the middle of replacing the lower valve cover gaskets, plugs, wires, dist. caps and rotors...... And, oh yeah, I did an impulse buy on the short shifter when ordering the ignition stuff from Devek..... Thanks Viper Bob!

Anyway, on to the question.......... I am replacing the lower valve cover gaskets and, as we all know (or suspect), the life of the gaskets is determined by heat generated from the header/heat exchanger.

I have seen the "header wrap" material from Moroso and Thermo-Tec (http://www.thermotec.com/products/full/11001/11001.html) used on hot rods. It's a mesh material that withstands 2000F and is used to wrap headers.

The idea is primarily horsepower related where heat is kept inside the header and exhaust is scavenged better. Secondarily, underhood temps are reduced 50%+.

The question: Has anyone used this wrap on 911 heat exchangers to reduce heat dissipation? If not, any educated guesses on likelyhood that it will serve some benefit?

Thanks,
Scott

Toga

Hi Scott,
interesting question. I hope someone will have some knowledge on this. I finished the job last week, and my engine is still out, making that mod easy!
Good luck with the screws behind the heat exchanger exit tube!

User 4221

Hi Toga,

Thanks for the encouragement. The valve cover screws will be no problem since I removed the heat exchangers to clean/wrap them.

I think I will go ahead with the thermal wrap. I'll snap some pics and share.

BTW, what part of Belgium are you located? The reason I ask is my wife was raised in Turnhout and went to university in Antwerp.

Scott

Ron

As far as dissapating heat the valve covers in the link I've posted are supposed to help with that, but they are expensive.

Aluminum Valve Covers

Toga

Congratulation for a wife that should be one of the best in the World!!!
I'm from Namur which is 75km east south east from Brussels.

Did you remove your heat exchanger yet? The bolts on mine were so rusty that I let them on. I was afraid to brake a stud in a cylinder head...

JP

delanobe

Aren't those aluminium valve gasket covers used as a standard replacement now?
I had my car serviced a month ago and they used the aluminium one to replace the old plastic cover(leaking).

regards

Toga

Sh.. are you telling me I have to go back and change my covers too, to be "leaks free" I'm gonna put my engine back in quick, before you guys give me other good ideas to empty my wallet

User 4221

Yes she's a keeper and no she's not standing over my shoulder watching me type this....... Like most Belgian women, she's very strong minded and fanatical about keeping the house clean. Quite at odds with my sloppy ways.

We will be in Belgium later this year in late May/early June. I think we should organize a get-together.

Yes, I have removed the heat exchangers. No probs with the head studs. I only had problems with the bolts connecting the right header to the CAT. One broke.... I have my work cut out for me there.

BTW, the aluminum valve covers are, as far as I know, an aftermarket solution . At $500 a set, I'll take my chances on replacing the original gaskets.

Toga

Of course! remind me later and let me know when you come early enough so I'lll advise my planning officer to arrange my days off at those dates.

User 4221

Will do..... Maybe we can get Gert and delanobe to meet up as well.

poorb0yw

I'd look into ceramic coating of the heat exchangers. Those thermal wraps can really accumulate a bunch of road grime.

Robert Henriksen

In the SRF world, the only people willing to tape their header are the ones willing to shell out > $1k on a regular basis (I think, about once/season) to replace them. I'm told that the thermal wrap, while it does help contain the heat & keep it from cooking nearby components, also greatly accelerates the demise of the header material. Secondhand info, I'm not speaking from personal experience. Don't know if the SRF header material is markedly different from p-cars, etc.

JasonAndreas

I have no direct experience with it but from what I've read, thermal wrap is not the best of things to use if you drive your car in the rain! Anything wrapped will stay wet and rust out real quick. Check the turbo forums for various warnings from people that have tried.

Bill Verburg

Thermal wrap will cause the headers to fail prematurely. Great for headers that are replaced regularly , but a poor choice for most of us that expect them to last forever.

Here is an alternative solution to keep heat from the valve cover area.


The 964s had a similar setup stock. For some reason they were left off on the 993s.

stedge

What is the ultimate benefit of such a shield, Bill? Will the motor or valves last or perform any better? Carbon buildup prevented? I do not understand.

Thx for any insight.