When it comes to new turbo engines or a turbo engine project, many people find conflicting information on using a header manifold blanket and other head reduction coatings and covers. Some people may swear by the products and insist you can’t get the most from your turbo engine without them, while others may tell you it’s a waste of money and more risk than benefit. Are these people being truthful, or do they simply not want you to have a potentially amazing engine bay? It’s time to compare some of the information yourself and understand exactly why people use heat absorbing products and where things can go wrong.
Benefit of Reducing Heat
There are a number of components in an engine which produce an abundance of heat. Many are located very close to the downpipe and exhaust manifold. In turbo engines, heat is one of the biggest killers of power in your bike, and for those with a competitive edge this can mean the difference in a win or a loss on race day. Additionally, excess heat within your engine can wear out products earlier than usual leaving you to replace them often depending on how much the bike is ridden. Many studies have shown that a cooler running engine can produce up to 2 horsepower more than one which is generating a lot of heat. This is where a header manifold blanket comes into place. This product will help absorb and dissipate heat in a less direct manner, leaving other components near it cooler and performing at a higher standard.
Avoiding a Fire Hazard
One of the biggest downsides to a turbo blanket or other thermal products is the potential for a fire risk. Some normal care when tending the engine can reduce this ten-fold, but sometimes accidents to happen. The number one cause of fire issues is with oil saturating the heat absorbing fibers. This can cause a potential flare up of flames if you aren’t careful when providing normal maintenance to your vehicle. Additionally, you can find a wide range of thermal products which can withstand a number of temperatures. Some may only be rated for 500 degrees Fahrenheit while others can withstand more than 2,000. Always be sure to go for the correct heat rating on your thermal products, otherwise this insurance can turn into nothing but a liability issue.
