I have just bought a TSL downpipe and once fitted was going to put exhaust wrap around it in place of the original heatshields.

- Is it normal to not put the heatshields back on ?

- It would seem to be simpler to wrap the downpipe with exhaust wrap before fitting it. Has anyone done it this way ?.

 

I wrapped my downpipe before fitting which would be the easiest way. I also didn't put any heatshields back on except the top one which feeds air from the scoop to the turbo. It did require cutting at the bottom to fit over my 3" downpipe.

 

Cut the heatshield that fits over the turbo with a hacksaw just under the crease/spot welded join. This leaves 3-4 fixings to put it back on. Lag the rest of the downpipe with heatwrap from www.thinkauto.com

 

I wouldn't wrap the whole DP. Stop short before you get to the horizontal as this bit catches a lot of water off the road and will end up stinking.

It'll smell and smoke for the first few drives anyway but don't worry as it soon stops. Mine also steams a little when the car has been sat for a week or more, my guess is that the exhaust wrap absorbs a little moisture.

 

I have lagged my full downpipe and my centre section. It was primed with the silicon spray that stops it from absorbing water, and it doesn't stink.
I left all the heat shields off and have put a turbo blanket on. This is well worth doing as I have measured a 70 degree C difference from inside and outside the blanket.

 

I've wrapped the DP and centre and not sprayed either. Have had no problems whatsoever, other then the initial smell for a few days.

 

Lagged downpipe well and sprayed with the high heat paint to seal it, before having it fitted.
Always easier to lag before fitting...

Just now lagged the turbo with several layers, and working up the up-pipe, and making a cold air box forteh cone filter.
These were / are fitted and were a pain to do in place!!!

 

How hard is it to lag downpipe once fitted?

 

Wrap it with Thermotec

 

Very. It can de done but its a PITA

 

Its not that difficult to wrap an open neck DP in place, just takes a bit longer. Oh and its a bit esier if you use 1" wrap as well.

My second DP I did off the car, but its a twin dump so a bit more complicated.

Dave.