Tech Help - Exhaust Wrap

Jun 16th 2023

Tech Help - Exhaust Wrap

Why do I want to wrap my headers, pipes, or tubular manifolds?

Wrapping any type of exhaust piping is a crucial and important step when controlling exhaust temperatures and reducing radiant under-hood heat. Keeping exhaust gases hotter within the exhaust system helps in decreasing density and increasing the flow of exhaust gases. This improves exhaust scavenging which, in turn, adds power. Also, limiting the radiant heat inside the engine bay can decrease temperatures up to 50%. This reduces heat absorption for electronics, air intakes and through the fire wall, keeping dash components and cabin temperatures to an absolute minimum.

Exhaust Wrap
  Keep heat inside pipes - increasing flow and lowering underhood temps (Titanium wrap shown)

What is exhaust wrap made of and does it contain asbestos?

DEI glass fiber exhaust wrap is primarily constructed of Basalt or glass fiber material that is treated with a proprietary coating developed by DEI. The combination helps increase the wraps’ thermal resistance when compared to other brands. DEI Titanium exhaust wraps use Basalt as their primary material. DEI exhaust wraps do not contain asbestos and the fibers are non-respirable (meaning they are too big to inhale).

Will wrapping my exhaust pipes make them rust?

Wrapped HeadersAny mild steel exhaust pipe will rust over time with or without exhaust wrap. If you wrap any kind of tubing, we recommend our HT Silicone Coating to seal and protect the wrap and even the pipe you are wrapping by coating the pipe first, before you add the exhaust wrap. Along with adding color to the wrap, HT Silicone Coating increases the longevity of your wrap by locking the fibers together. You can wrap most types of metals, but the recommended type of wrap material is a quality grade stainless steel.

Can I wet the wrap for installation?

Wetting DEI glass fiber exhaust wrap is recommended as it helps the material become more flexible, allowing for a much tighter fit during installation. Be sure to let the wrap dry completely before applying HT Silicone Spray. Wetting DEI Titanium exhaust wrap is not necessary as the material is already extremely pliable.

Will DEI exhaust wrap work on my stock exhaust system?

Yes. You can wrap your original exhaust pipes to control heat. Wrapping stock cast exhaust manifolds can be difficult, for this application we recommend using our Form-A-Shield product. Form-A-Shield is designed to cover odd shapes and is easy to install over odd shaped parts. We do not recommend wrapping Titanium exhaust pipes or manifolds.

What will keep my exhaust wrap in place?

DEI Stainless Steel Locking Ties are designed to keep your exhaust wrap securely in place and with a finished look. Our Locking Tie Tool makes installing them quick and easy. Stainless steel hose clamps or lock wire will also work.

Why should I purchase a kit when I just need the wrap?

DEI Exhaust Wrap Kits make your project the total package. They provide easy and efficient installation, professional looks and maximum durability. Each DEI Automotive Exhaust Wrap Kit has enough material and parts to cover a standard set of V8 headers. These kits also include assorted Stainless Steel Locking Ties and your choice of HT Silicone spray color. DEI Exhaust Wrap Kits are complete and allow the job to be finished without any additional trips to the auto parts store.

How do I calculate how much exhaust wrap I need?

Every DEI Exhaust Wrap product page features an Exhaust Wrap Calculator tab where you can figure out how much wrap you need before you purchase. Just input the length and diameter of the exhaust pipe you need wrapped, add your wrap size. The suggested 0.25 inch overlap is already in place, but feel free to adjust as needed. You'll receive an estimate on how much exhaust wrap will be needed to complete the job. Just remember: the calculator doesn't account for any bends in the exhaust pipe, which will use a little more exhaust wrap material than a straight pipe.