Wrapping Pipes

[GQ_01]

As I was checking out the '09 SE catalog, I saw that wraps were listed as "race application only," and was wondering if anyone could explain why. From what I gather, the wrap keeps the air hot throughout the pipe, and aids scavenging. This would most likely increase HC emissions. Is that it?

[Dave63]

You're 100% correct. It keeps exhaust hotter, longer.

Since the wrapping is all AFTER the cylinder, and no catalytic converter is present, HC's (Hydrocarbons) aren't effected at all. If anything, higher temps might reduce them a tad.

My guess is that whatever baffeling they have in them, probably, doesn't meet Federal regulations, there for, they have to sell then as "race application only" or as some companies do, mark them with "Not for street use" as a legal statement to cover their own ass if you get busted for noise.

The effects of wrapping exhaust on 99.9% of street motorcycles will show no valuable gains on a dyno run.... it's simply a small part of of the package for performance gains. On it's own, it's nothing more then the newest trend for appearence purposes only.....

My race bike's exhaust was wrapped to keep heat away/rising up on me. On a dyno run (multiple) it showed no worthwhile gains, after wrapping the pipes and that was on a 138hp V-twin with EFI and a 10,500 rpm redline.

In reality, all it did was channel hotter air, LONGER, out fiberglass packed mufflers and burn them out quicker, and ruin mufflers that wer carbon fiber in a matter of half a season.

[RubberDown]

Another disavantage to wrapping pipes is moisture. Had a friend who wrapped his headers and was replacing them within the year, due to rust. Like Dave said, you won't get a real noticable gain, but you will get a good chance for rust.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by RubberDown

Another disavantage to wrapping pipes is moisture.

Mild Steel/Chrome pipes....yes.

Stainless (mine) were wrapped for 4 yeas and were like new when uncovered, with over 10 rain races........

Ti isn't supposed to be wrapped, as the different expansion rates, due to uneven insulation areas can/will eventually cause cracking in the metal.

[RubberDown]

Originally Posted by Dave63

Mild Steel/Chrome pipes....yes.

Stainless (mine) were wrapped for 4 yeas and were like new when uncovered, with over 10 rain races........

Ti isn't supposed to be wrapped, as the different expansion rates, due to uneven insulation areas can/will eventually cause cracking in the metal.

That's a good point.

If a person really wants to control heat, have them ceramic coated.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by RubberDown

That's a good point.

If a person really wants to control heat, have them ceramic coated.

I did that afterwards. DEI heat wrapping insulates more heat then Ceramic does, even with ceramic's inside and ouside coating.

Ceramic is becoming popular because although not as good as wrapping, insulation wise, it is cheaper then wrapping, (at a dollar a foot) and lasts almost forever.....

Heat wrapping is time consuming and costs $49 for a 50' role of DEI, not including $15 for 8 stainless tie wraps. It lasts about 1 year on the bike, and less on a race car, even less on a dirt track car.

It took 2/3 of a role for the race bike, so one role was spent at one shot, in all reality.

Ceramic (JetHot) coating my 2 piece headers for the race bike, cost me $250-ish, including shipping to Mississippi and back, UPS.

Wrapped



Coated

[RubberDown]

I really thought the ceramic would insulate better then the wrap. But now that I put some actual thought into it, I can see where having the wrap (material) would be better as far as the insulating properties. But boy is the ceramic pretty....

Maybe I oughta slow down on smokin' those paint chips.

[Dave63]

The ceramic is pretty, but it gets dull at sharp corners, due to heat. JetHot provides a bnch of colors too..... Good stuff.

[Badassbrutus]

I always wrap it before I ride..........

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Badassbrutus

I always wrap it before I ride..........

DEI will be itchy. Just warning you.

Lamb's Skin baby.............