Heat wrapping 4-2-1 / 4-1 manifolds

[Ax_beefy]

I was wrapping my manifold this evening and decided to take some pics along the way and as I'm bored I've decided to turn it into a write up for anyone that may not understand it.

:?: Why wrap my manifold?... It looks so pretty and shiny

Fact is it won't stay that way... most stainless manifolds start out like this:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1236.jpg
But almost immediately after fitting this will happen:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/STA40105.jpg
As you can see it will go a purple/ blue colour. This obviously isn't the main reason to wrap the manifold......

Stainless steel is an excellent conductor of heat (more effective than mild steel even) and without an effective heat shield will raise the temperature of the engine bay by approximately 5' - 10' which will result in high intake and running temperatures. The third reason for wrapping a manifold is that hotter gases flow faster! this is what you've bought the manifold for.... to expel exhaust gases in the fastest way possible, the heat wrap also helps keep the gases hotter therefor enabling them to flow more efficiently.

:?: Whats the best way to wrap a manifold?

This question gets asked quite alot but there is no right or wrong answer!... its up to you how you wrap, some people wrap all the branches together and others wrap each individual branch (this is the method I use)

* Below is the method I use to wrap my manifold (individualy wrapped branches)

First I make sure I have enough wrap... you can see in the picture at the top my roll.... I would recommend 50M as thats what I am using.....

Now I wrap the shortest easier branch first, keeping the wrap pulled taught and working slowly down with roughly 1/2 inch overlap on each turn (measure it loosely first):
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1237.jpg

Then once thats done I Pin the wrap at the branches joint and start the next branch that feeds in:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1238.jpg
In this one I have wrapped a couple of turns round the two inter-secting branches behind this one to keep it tight

I then do the remaining pair of branches as before:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1239.jpg

Next I measure two pieces from the joints to as far as I can get down the remainder of the branches and start wrapping the bottom half:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1241.jpg

And the other one:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1242.jpg

Some of you may notice that I haven't used any clips yet... a)I forgot them and b)The weave is tight enough to hold the wrap for now.... I shall get some metal cable ties tomorrow and secure the wrap at the beginning of each branch, after the join in each set of 2 and then at the ends of the wrap...

Heres some pics from dfferent angles:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1243.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1240.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1245.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1247.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1246.jpg

Now thats done all thats left to do is fit it and dispose of the leftover wrap:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/mark_fern/SP_A1244.jpg
LOL!....... I hope this write up is of some use to someone

N.B: Some people find it easier to wet the wrap before applying it, if you do this I recommend wearing old clothes!...

[ets2k9]

Very informative If I could be arsed to remove mine I'd wrap it.

Have you fitted it yet or is that todays agenda?

[Andy_S]

Looks very smart, anybody know where you can buy the wrap from???

[williamsvts]

you should have wet the wrap first. when it dries it is on the manifold tighter, its also easier to bend n shit when wet.

edit: just read the last part :(

[williamsvts]

andy - ebay

[ada]

I would recommend 50M as thats what I am using.....

Is it supposed to be 50m or 50'?

[VTS_16v_Boy]

Good write up, anyone thinkin of wrappin or even just fittin a 4Branch manifold should read this :-)

[chrisni1986]

i had my old vtr supersprint manifold wrapped, heard 2 sides to the story, was told some tuners swear by it and say it does wonders.. other side was it sends some of the heat back into the head damaging it... i dunno what to believe to be honest..

[bloz]

I heard a couple of people say that heat wrapping dramatically reduces the life of the manifold and can cause cracking is this true or rollocks, the main reason I may wrap is like you say (and a point well made) it keeps the heat out of engine bay and when you work in you engine as much as I do that could be very useful

[ada]

Is it supposed to be 50m or 50'?

I would just like to ask again.

[CampDavid]

I had exactly the same amount left after I did mine.

IU wet mine before and then went out clubbing in the evening, wearing the same jeens. Under the lights of the club the jeans glittered. I looked like a fag.

[ada]

^ With a name like that, you had me fooled.
But is it 50m?

[CampDavid]

Think I used about that.

[CampDavid]

I used £35 worth and it look a while, its pucker though!

[ada]

Where did you get it?

[Richardson_VTS]

Good thread mate, i've recently wrapped my 4-2-1, but whilst it was on the car. Very easy job, just got to keep it tight, and it makes such a difference!

[gavbey]

how much heat wrap would i need to do a full manifold? 15 metres?

[planetrover]

50 meters as he said

[JamesR]

Excellent guide mate :y:

[carllo69]

Will a 4branch Decat my mk1 vts or will it bolt on to the rest of the standard system?

[frankie]

as someone mentioned it can reduce the life of the manifold.

will rust/corrode and discolour faster to.

[Krys_23]

Will a 4branch Decat my mk1 vts or will it bolt on to the rest of the standard system?

Cats under the car in the exhaust on yours not the manifold.

[carllo69]

Cheers mate so will a manifold bolt on to the standard cat back?