Let's measure engine temps of different header types - victims needed | FerrariChat
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Let's measure engine temps of different header types - victims needed

Discussion in '348/355' started by dreamcarswest, Jul 18, 2007.

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  1. dreamcarswest

    dreamcarswest Karting

    Apr 4, 2007
    162
    #1 dreamcarswest, Jul 18, 2007
    So after reading conflicting statements about whether or not ceramic coated headers keep engine temperatures as cool as the factory heat shielded headers do, I am still confused. Some people say ceramic coatings are not cool enough, while I saw another person say that his engine bay was "subjectively cooler" with coated headers versus his factory heat shielded ones. What I haven't seen so far are actual temperature readings.

    Is there a way we can do some testing to get some real data? I am willing to offer up my '95 355 Spider as an example of ceramic coated (but non-heat shielded) headers in action.

    I am having Fabspeed headers with the Jet Hot Extreme Sterling coating installed tomorrow at Fusion Motorsports in Chatsworth California.

    If we could get together a 355 with factory headers, and maybe another one with Tubis (because they have heat shielding) we could do a comparison test.

    Where to take the measurements, and how to do so, would have to be determined.

    Anyone up for this? Could be a fun weekend project.
     
  2. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

    Nov 11, 2006
    4,425
    CT
    Full Name:
    Jay
    #2 UConn Husky, Jul 18, 2007
    I've been casually taking some temp readings on my car. Of course the best I can do with a handheld IR gun is to stop, pop the engine cover, then take some readings. Here's some 'average' temps I've seen:

    Heat shield covering OEM exhaust manifold: 650F
    Exhaust tips: 240F
    Heat shield covering Tubi: 160F
    Oil filter: 215F

    Also should note I have the challenge grille which may cool things off a little. The right way to do it is in real time with thermocouples and a laptop, but that's getting a bit more complicated. I would expect aftermarket headers would read much hotter just because they're not covered by a heat shield (as I understand it). So a good measure may be exhaust tip temps - the cooler those are means more heat escaped in the engine bay. I think the real goal is to get as much exhaust heat out through the tailpipes as possible (within limits of course, I don't know if too much insulation could overheat the cats?)
     

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