Heat insulating gaskets. Do they offer any benefit?

[Neal H]

Hi Guy,

I have just been looking at some heat insulating gaskets that sit between the cylinder head and inlet manifold. I can see and understand the theory behind these, reducing the heat conducted to the inlet manifold and throttle bodies - hence a lower charge temperature and more dense charge, however, my question is, would they make any difference in the real world?

Thanks,

Neal.

[Guy Croft]

Neal, hi

Yes, they are a good thing and can definitely generate measureable power increase. Not a huge increase but measureable - ie: an increase of more than 3%.

I say 'can' because it does depend on what they are made of. Some materials are way better than others esp on the ex side. My friend Mike Tanski of Ferriday Engineering has been into this in great depth and got his tested by the notable specialist John Toovey (JT Racing) before he launched them, likewise the ex ones too. He thought they would work, he as kind enough to ask me what I thought, I agreed and yes, they did.

On inlet you're trying to stop heat transfer to the manifold and reduction of charge density, on the ex side you're trying to stop heat transfer to the head. Insulated inlet ones have been standard fitment on may engines for over 15 years, I first saw them on the 1.6 Delta Turbo.

GC

[Neal H]

Thanks for the quick reply and information Guy. Currently only available on the inlet side for my engine, so I will buy one of those.

Thanks,

N.

[Guy Croft]

I think you can get Mike via links,

G