Heat Shield Wrap 3" down pipe

[350ninty7]

The stock down pipe on my 97 F-350 is wrapped (heat shield) from the factory. Do you guys wrap your 3" down pipe?. The pipe runs right againest the firewall and probably best if insulated? Going to do the 3" turbo back cat delete 4" exhaust next week. What's the experience from those that have completed the 3" down pipe install.

Thanks

[Irishcream]

My local exhaust shop has informed me that by wrapping your pipes in exhaust wrap you will be keeping moisture within the wrap. If you live in a winter climate where the ice and snow will be sitting on those pipes they will be rotting from the inside out and will crumble. I'm not sure about summer climate cities but I would assume they will stand up longer than where I live.

[Nitro41]

i heat wrapped my downpipe before i put it in. its in good shape. and i heard it really helps keep the exhaust gases hot and flowing fast. plus it looks SWEET!

[350ninty7]

Originally Posted by Irishcream

My local exhaust shop has informed me that by wrapping your pipes in exhaust wrap you will be keeping moisture within the wrap. If you live in a winter climate where the ice and snow will be sitting on those pipes they will be rotting from the inside out and will crumble. I'm not sure about summer climate cities but I would assume they will stand up longer than where I live.

I live in Washington state where it's wet but the snow and ice won't be sitting on the pipes. Thanks for the feedback

[350ninty7]

Originally Posted by Nitro41

i heat wrapped my downpipe before i put it in. its in good shape. and i heard it really helps keep the exhaust gases hot and flowing fast. plus it looks SWEET!

Nitro41,
Where did you purchase the wrap, basically what's it called?
Wrap does look sweet.....

[redneckboarder]

u gotta think...how does ice and water build up on a hot exhaust? they said the same thing about wraping the headers on my jeep and for a while i kept and eye on it and after driving in rain and snow they header was always dry from the heat.

and its called exhaust wrap u can get it at auto zone. i got the stuff for my jeep online. just type in DEI exhaust wrap.

[Irishcream]

So i guess you idle the truck at all times, never turning it off. Snow will never blow in through the wheel wells and you will never go through any puddles. I must have been mistaken then. If your pipes are hot at all times then the heat will keep them dry. You are 100% correct. Just never get close to water.
Then again, how is it that exhaust pipes rust then, hmm. that's a strange phenomenon then, dry pipes rusting. Oh well I'm no scientist.

[redneckboarder]

ive had the wrap on a rust prone jeep for 3 yrs now. i still feel no soft spots. im not saying that its 100% dry all the time but its not like the thing is gonna rust out on you in a month. few yrs...maybe

there was no reason to be a dick either

[Irishcream]

It is not my intention to be a dick but I live in a climate that it is not uncommon to have snow blown under your hood during blizzards, snow drifts over 3 feet tall overnight and spring flooding. The informatin that I provided was given to me from an award winning exhaust shop in my city after I inquired about the product myself. They know there stuff and I would not second guess them.The pro at the shop told me the wrap significantly reduces the life of headers. The wrap is intented for motorcycles and dragsters to reduce radiant heat when used in ideal weather conditions. Without road salt and excess moisture. The members that have commented don't seem to think there would ever be a situation where the pipes got wet therefore I was merely giving examples of how it may happen. My sense of humor sometimes gets the best of me at times.

[Nitro41]

i got it from napa. Thermo-Tec : Exhaust Insulating Header Wrap (Graphite Black)