Any Benefit From Removing Underhood Insulation>?

[ULVER]

I assume the insulation, is there to restrict engine noise. I noticed it was deleted from the police cars I've owned, from all three makers.

I was wondering, if there would be a benefit during extreme summer temps, if this was removed from under the hood? I don't mind the noise, if the 4-banger might drop a few operating degrees.

 

[Matt_S]

It probably would drop the underhood temp a few degrees. I doubt it would affect the operating temperature of the engine, though. As for benefits? I'm not sure, but I'd imagine you might save some heat-related stress on the various components. IMHO, it wouldn't make much, if any difference in reliability.

 

[Pablo]

weight loss

 

[kenw]

It not only absorbs sound it absorbs radiant heat from the engine compartment. without the insulator, the radiant heat from the engine compartment will be absorbed by the hood and can degrade the paint on the top of the hood faster.

 

[JHZR2]

right, Ive seen paint go bad because of the heat issue...

JMH

 

[labman]

quote:

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Originally posted by ULVER:
snip...I don't mind the noise, snip...

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Did you ever think about other people? There are those that like a little peace and quiet.

 

[Matt_S]

quote:

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Originally posted by labman:
Did you ever think about other people? There are those that like a little peace and quiet.

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Boy, it's not like he wants to replace the entire exhaust system with straight pipe and a f@rt can. The paint thing is a good thought, though, and makes a lot of sense.

 

[tmorris1]

It will melt the snow and ice off your hood quicker in the winter......

 

[Virtuoso]

I think it's used as a half-arsed fire supressant too.

 

[Mud]

Interesting - my 95 Crown Vic Interceptor (cop car) has the hood insulation, as well as most of the other factory built police units that I've seen.

I don't think it really matters either way. The temp rise from the engine is nothing compared to the UV, sunligh heat, and general junk the top side of the hood is exposed to. I have built several frame-off type car projects with no insulation and the paint is fine - a couple of them were done over 15 years ago.

 

[kenw]

I think the radiant heat issue is more of a problem on sideways mounted engines that have the exhaust manifold "visible" (IR-wise) to the hood's underside.