Spray-on ceramic coating from Zirotec helps reduce underhood temps
The technology that is being brought to the fore here is one that doesn't really seem green at first glance. The idea is to spray this specialized coating on components such as exhaust manifolds that get hot. The coating can dramatically reduce the temperatures of the component. Upon further examination, however, you start to realize that underhood heat is the enemy of many automotive parts, like the complex electronic components that are built into all modern vehicles. Consider too the very oil in the engine. As the oil fights internal friction, a great deal of heat is wasted, which in turn breaks down the oil. The cooler the temperature underhood, the longer the oil is likely to last before needed to be drained and replaced. Also, as underhood temperatures decrease, more lightweight materials can be used around the engine compartment, such as carbon fiber, lowering the vehicle's overall weight. There are many more, but you get the idea.
Sometimes implementing all the small things, such as this ceramic coating on hot engine parts, all add up to a significant improvement. Along with major improvements such as hybrid drivetrains, and a winning solution becomes that much closer to reality.
[Source: Gizmag]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave Schmetterer 1:17PM (6/05/2007)
Is it just me, or does this article make no sense?
Read the site, the coating is an insulator. It helps keep the heat where it belongs - and seemingly adds another layer on top of your manifold so it doesn't crack? That's a guess (and I name it as such). Keeping it out of the engine compartment is good - but how do we keep the heat out of the oil? Why would we want to? Wouldn't it stay thick and not lubricate very well - like in the winter? My ICE engine runs better when its warm, above 185 degrees F.
Hey - if I'm wrong, someone let me know. Sorry Jeremy, this article doesn't really make much sense.
I'll gladly retract if someone can show me the light.
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why not the LS2/LS7? 2:11PM (6/05/2007)
Agreeing with the poster above.
Never, ever insulate your exhaust manifold. It may seem tempting to keep that heat from being radiated into the engine compartment, but it'll raise the exhaust manifold temps a lot, probably destroying things in there.
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Phil L. 3:08PM (6/05/2007)
There are places where thermal coatings can make a difference. I recall reading about old-time Corvair performance folks who discovered overheating problems with valve pushrod tubes. The solution involved a thermally-reflective coating on the tube, which helped control the heat.
That said, I'm always wary of claims that appear to have more to do with selling a product/service than quantifiable, reproducible benefits.
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MikeW 3:36PM (6/05/2007)
What about exhaust manifolds that are already air gap insulated? (somewhat like double hull tankers)
What the hey, the more insulation the merrier.
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 5:06PM (6/05/2007)
All:
http://www.jet-hot.com/Pages/tech1.html
http://www.performancecoatings.com/benefitdata.htm
http://www.techlinecoatings.com/TechnicalInformation.htm
These were the first few companies that popped up under a google search for exhaust coatings. Hot Rodders have been doing this for a very long time, and motorcycle racing does it too. This is actually nothing new, but I saw the article and thought some might be interested.
Thanks for the feedback all!
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james 11:57AM (6/06/2007)
per comment #1
You are correct that your ICE are more efficient at higher temperatures, however your thermostat regulates that temperature. This product will not affect oil viscosity.
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Chris 12:22PM (6/06/2007)
This is really nothing new, I've been using this stuff for years on turbo cars and racecars to keep underhood temps down. Less baked wiring, less cooked carbon fiber bodywork, less intercooler heat soak...
Keeping the heat in the manifold will increase exhaust gas velocity (great for turbo systems), but I don't know if the amount will be noticeable to your 'butt dyno' on a standard engine. I'm a fan of Swain Technologies and HPC, they both do great work. Zircotec has a great reputation also, but I haven't used anything coated by them.
For the oil, this isn't affecting winter startup or anything like that. The oil is heated from inside the engine, the ceramic coating is just helping to keep additional heat (exhaust heat) from adding to the internal engine heat, as well as allowing engine heat to radiate. The bigger the temp difference, the easier heat flows from one thing to another, etc. The oil will get heated up to operating temp pretty fast no matter what, controlling the oil temp after than point is easier with lower underhood temps though..
So are you guys familiar with ceramic barrier coatings used on valves, combustion chambers, and piston tops? This is really good technology, put it to use the next time you rebuild an engine..
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