Heat Barrier Tape - Yes or No

[LogicalCC]

Hi All,

While I have my downpipe off, do you think it’s worth wrapping this coolant line in heat barrier tape? Yes or no. Any benefits or very minimal?

Thanks.

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[AZCWTypeR]

I would avoid wraps if your driving includes a damp, salty environment (New England winter for example).
Otherwise it can't hurt and probably helps.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I’m not a big fan of heat barrier tape as a strategy for managing heat. It’s more of a Band-Aid than a true solution and doesn’t address heat at the source. If you’re thinking about thermal management, your highest ROI, in order, is:

1. Exhaust ceramic coating (Jet-Hot, CERAKOTE, etc.)
2. Turbo blanket
3. Proper heat shielding

Tape can marginally help protect specific components in close proximity, but I’d treat it as supplemental, not a substitute for managing heat upstream. Not performance related, but I also dislike the way it looks...chintzy.

 

[Evox787]

I recently wrapped the coolant lines with thermal wrap and added gold tape to the OEM intake inlet. I also installed Acuity reverse flow coolant hoses. With the hoses and thermal wrap, I noticed a significant drop in temperatures during my daily drives—what used to sit around 186°F now runs closer to 180°F, sometimes even dipping to 178°F. I’m not entirely sure how accurate Log R or Hondata really are, especially since weather plays a big role, and I live in Texas where I’m constantly on I-35.

On the flip side, after using the gold tape, I’ve noticed that heat soak is actually more noticeable than before. To help with that, I plan on picking up the Infinity Design matte carbon inlet—not that I really need it, but I like the idea of having carbon in that area for any advantage I can get.

Like clark_kent mentioned, applying Cerakote and upgrading to a better heat shield can make a solid difference. I was going to go with the Dream heat shield, but with all the current tariff issues, I decided not to risk it. For now, I’ll be Cerakoting my shields and seeing how that goes from there.

 

[LogicalCC]

Thank you all for the replies and the valuable feedback. Much appreciated.

 

[REDRAGN]

Something like this works well...it provides heat reflection and an air gap to help dissipate/further insulate heat

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E243AW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_10?smid=AQ7FIN28K9HIX&th=1

 

[Superhatch]

Spoon FL5:

That was from when the car was initially released. Not sure if they are still using it but they found value in it. They taped a lot in the area of the turbo.

 

[Superhatch]

It doesn't look like their track car is using any of it, although it could be due to the requirements of the class regulations.

https://blog.spoonsports.eu/spoon-sports-fl5-domestic-race-car/

 

[Jack90210]

It doesn't look like their track car is using any of it, although it could be due to the requirements of the class regulations.

https://blog.spoonsports.eu/spoon-sports-fl5-domestic-race-car/

Stock intercooler, I'm guessing that upgrades aren't allowed in ST?

 

[Superhatch]

Stock intercooler, I'm guessing that upgrades aren't allowed in ST?

It looks like it's all stock aside from some aero/suspension/cage/safety.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I've used Thermo-Tec heat barrier on various cars with measurable improvement. It has an aluminum foil shell, a layer of woven fiberglass insulation, and adhesive backing. I buy it off Amazon.
I wish this was available years ago when my MGB literally melted the heel of my right shoe, due to the exhaust running under the floorboard.

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