The aim is not too keep the engine itself running cooler but to lower engine
compartment temperatures (think rubber fuel lines) and intake manifold
temperatures.  But since you mentioned it I see that some exhaust pipes run
precariously close to the cooling lines on the engine, so cutting down the
radiant heat might help.. a little?

Tell me what you think about this:  I see a valid concern of overheating the
exhaust pipes.  My 2.1L has a full stainless steel exhaust system and I
don't know how this would affect longevity of the metal.

Maybe wrapping the intake and some cooling lines, along with a shield for
the FI lines is the better option?

Thanks,

Chris.

On Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 3:04 AM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

> glad to see someone say something like this.
> The only reason regular cars ever have insulated exhaust pipes that I am
> aware of is to maintain exahsut heat to keep the cat well lit and
> catalyzing.
> Or you could want to retain a lot of heat to help get better fuel mileage.
>
> but I don't actually see how insulating the exhaust pipes is going to help
> the engine stay cooler............and wasn't that the original concern ?
> scott
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 7:35 PM
> Subject: Re: Fiberglass Exhaust Wrap - Cooler engine compartment
>
>
>  A caution.
>>
>> Often, exhaust systems are designed to utilize the free air to help keep
>> them cool. It does pretty well as long as the vehicle is moving right
>> along, but get slow or stop and the heat is not carried away but
>> collects in the engine space, making it mighty hot. It is all a trade
>> off. If you wrap the exhaust with any kind of insulating material you
>> are going to really cook the devil out of those pipes when running at
>> power - which is the time you really want them to be cooling in the
>> breeze and getting all that heat carried away. The exhaust system will
>> burn out much, much sooner than if simply let exposed to the ambient air.
>>
>> So be careful in your choices on your Vanagon.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> John Rodgers.
>>
>> Chris S wrote:
>>
>>> Is anyone here using fiberglass exhaust wrap?  Any comments and/or
>>> experiences?
>>>
>>> I'm thinking of wrapping the entire exhaust up to the catalytic
>>> converter.
>>> Also I'd like to insulate the intake runners and place some insulating
>>> mat
>>> between the fuel lines and the engine.
>>>
>>> Chris S.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>