Do you guys think that wrapping the Metal IC piping with header wrap is a good idea? AZ has some hot months and kills performance. Would it be wise to wrap the IC piping?

 

I was thinking the same thing myself. Since the inlet air inside the pipe is cooler than the engine compartment, then it seems like it would be a good idea.

 

from what i understand the hahn piping does not carry alot of heat as it is not made of aluminum.

 

If you're worried about heatsoak, you could wrap the cold side piping. For the hot side, do you think that the air inside (after being heated by the turbo) is still cooler than engine compartment temps? That would determine whether or not to wrap the hot side. IDK the answer without further research.

 

you'd see a difference on the dyno or in strip times but probably not on the street.The outside air temp is the major factor.Since the piping is relativly short,it probably won't do a whole lot.Now a IC change would help(bigger,more efficient) as the stock IC does heat soak and will affect power readings.A water inj setup at the IC would be a better bet(sprays water over IC fins,,similar to a swamp cooler..I know you know what that is!!)Now,for those that demand max power all the time,,,wrap everything..including header and down pipe( as exhaust travels past the turbo,it cools thus slows down,,wrapping the pipes here will help exhaust maintain velocity thus keeping the exhaust from forming a back up in that area and stalling the turbo(ever so minutely but enough to really affect power numbers).And keeps excess heat from collecting under the hood in that area.But don't wrap non stainless steel exhaust pipes..they will rust thru, unless its a race only vehicle.
Note: these are only general tips..theres more to be found from the experts.......

 

No one knows heat soak better than us GTO guys. Header wrap is very expensive, difficult to get to stay in place, and mediocre insulator at best. It's main appeal is it doesn't burn up when exposed to extreme exhaust temperatures.

Use Frost King insulating wrap. It has a foil outer layer for reflecting radiant heat, and a closed cell foam layer for convected heat, has a built in adhesive, and is available in rolls or sheets. You can buy it by the ton at Home Depot and have enough left over to make a catch can from an air compressor filter.

Before I put the supercharger on the GTO, I used Frost King on the intake tube and air box, and experienced IAT's much closer to AAT, and noticeably quicker recovery from heat soak due to idling.

 

Please explain said catch can in new thread.

 

I can do it quick here, because, AFAIK, Ecotecs have no problems in this area. LS style V8's have oil aspiration issues. A catch can inserted in the PCV vacuum line will reduce the amount of oil sucked into the intake manifold.

 

Oh right. I know what a catch can does, I was just looking for more information about making one from an air compressor filter. I could google, but since you have experience in the matter....

Also, I wouldn't think that N/A Ecotecs have this issue, but since I'm running 22+psi, maybe? Better safe than sorry.

 

My 98 never burned oil. I think it was more of a 2000 LS1 motors that blew oil.