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Mazda Miata Turbo: Gangsta Wrapper Apr 16, 2009

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We’ve been making a lot of small improvements to our turbocharged Miata project car. This week, we used the new Titanium Exhaust Wrap from Design Engineering, Inc., to contain some of the heat emanating from our Miata’s downpipe. The benefit of this is twofold: Not only does the wrap reduce heat transfer to surrounding components, but it also helps the exhaust flow by maintaining higher temperatures inside the pipe.

According to DEI’s Web site, the Titanium Exhaust Wrap is made using pulverized lava rock that’s been extruded into fibers and woven into the wrap material. This new process raises the wrap’s temperature rating to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 30 percent higher than that offered by conventional wrap materials. Installation is also a little easier than with competitive products; DEI says the wrap doesn’t need to be soaked in water before installation to achieve a tight fit.

The wrapping process was pretty easy, since our downpipe is a much simpler shape than an exhaust manifold. All told, the job only took about an hour. We didn’t have any trouble, but you may want to wear gloves during the installation if you have sensitive skin.

We’ve also been meaning to replace the Miata’s engine mounts. Since the downpipe is out of the car, we’ll give that job a shot this week. Watch for more updates as we make progress.

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Comments

Javelin:

Sounds like it's easier to work with then the traditional wrap. I wrapped the header on my RX-7 with the standard DEI wrap (this wasn't out yet) and it's already coming loose less then 3 months later. Sure does work well though! I'll have to give this a try. PS - Might want to fix the link ;)
Apr 16, 2009 8:30 a.m.

4cylndrfury:

<blockquote> GRM Mag said <cite> We’ve also been meaning to replace the Miata’s engine mounts. Since the downpipe is out of the car, we’ll give that job a shot this week. Watch for more updates as we make progress. </blockquote> well its been more than a week! wheres my motor mount update? ;) I like that new stuff…beats the heck outa fiberglass!
May 5, 2009 2:41 p.m.

Tom Heath:

Look for the motor mount writeup in the August issue of GRM. A blown coolant line on a heater hose made the mount job a necessity. The short version- it was successful, and the new Mazdaspeed mounts are much better than the worn original pieces.
May 11, 2009 3:37 p.m.

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