Exhaust wraps

[dlongbeach]

Hey Guys,


Do you have any opinions about an exhaust wrap? I just put on a new muffler. I thought about wrapping the header and exhaust pipe. What are your thoughts?

[Jet-Lee]

It traps moisture and contaminants and promotes rust and deterioration of the metal.

It also hides cracks that cause similar running issues as vacuum leaks, which can cause a troubleshooting nightmare.

I spent months with a friend trying to diagnose what appeared to be a vacuum leak. Lots of gasket replacing and tuning. Turned out a header was cracked under his wrapping.

It looks neat, but it's dangerous to the mild steel headers. I will never use it.

[dlongbeach]

It traps moisture and contaminants and promotes rust and deterioration of the metal.

It also hides cracks that cause similar running issues as vacuum leaks, which can cause a troubleshooting nightmare.

I spent months with a friend trying to diagnose what appeared to be a vacuum leak. Lots of gasket replacing and tuning. Turned out a header was cracked under his wrapping.

It looks neat, but it's dangerous to the mild steel headers. I will never use it.

Well that's good enough for me! I'll throw that idea out. Thanks Boss.

[upperb]

I first used exhaust wrap in the late 80's on a friend's FZR400 road racer. I did so after reading about it in a book entitled "Power Secrets" by legendary stock car builder Smokey Yunick. The book is no longer in print. However, from time to time, a copy will appear on ebay (for a hefty price). Lots of interesting stuff in that book, including the benefits of using as long a connecting rod as possible and how air flows around valves. The guy was an innovator, to say the least. If you come upon a copy, grab it.

The thinking regarding exhaust wrap, was that the wrap would keep the exhaust gas temperature up and, as such, allow for better scavenging. We didn't have access to a dyno, so, quite frankly, I'm not sure whether it improved performance. It definitely looked cool, though. I still remember all the riders/mechanics who noticed it on the primary tubes that were visible, coming over and asking about it. However, for the reasons Lee pointed out, it doesn't belong on a street bike.

[dlongbeach]

I first used exhaust wrap in the late 80's on a friend's FZR400 road racer. I did so after reading about it in a book entitled "Power Secrets" by legendary stock car builder Smokey Yunick. The book is no longer in print. However, from time to time, a copy will appear on ebay (for a hefty price). Lots of interesting stuff in that book, including the benefits of using as long a connecting rod as possible and how air flows around valves. The guy was an innovator, to say the least. If you come upon a copy, grab it.

The thinking regarding exhaust wrap, was that the wrap would keep the exhaust gas temperature up and, as such, allow for better scavenging. We didn't have access to a dyno, so, quite frankly, I'm not sure whether it improved performance. It definitely looked cool, though. I still remember all the riders/mechanics who noticed it on the primary tubes that were visible, coming over and asking about it. However, for the reasons Lee pointed out, it doesn't belong on a street bike.

My header pipe will need replacing someday but I don't want to hasten that project. I love the look with wraps though. I wish it wouldn't make it worse. Kinda of a bummer but need to be smart. I have too many other things to worry about right now, and I don't need to create another problem. Thanks for you input and I'll check out the book!

[upperb]

My pleasure.

Good luck with your build!