Exhaust wrap on cross over pipe

[BlownGP]

Would it be a good idea to put some exhaust wrap for the exhaust pipe that goes under the transmission pan?

Just to get a little cooler temps? Or would water and dirt getting on it cause problems?

This is the for the 5/6 speed. Not sure how the 8 speeds are routed..

 

[Ricks Ram]

My 8 speed is the same way. The exhaust pipe is routed right under the pan and in my opinion it's a little to close. I know the 8 speed actually has a temperature control to warm the fluid but the pan is made out if a composite material and don't like it that close. I am thinking about doing the same thing.

 

[SlowRoller]

You'll first need to determine how hot is too hot for your application before you decide it needs to be altered..

Ideal operating temp is where you need to be, not necessarily 'just cooler',,,

8 speeds run synthetics and target approx. 170-180 degrees. Couldn't tell ya what the 5-6's ideal temps are.

 

[MyOhFive]

Also exhaust wrap has been known to hold moisture in an speed up exhaust rot

 

[QwikKota]

Yes, the wrap will make the exhaust rust out faster. I think most are non-flammable but I have heard of some bad fires occurring when tranny fluid soaks in due to a leak or burped dipstick. Most likely a rare occurrence but I've put out at least one fire on the headers from ATF out the dipstick, luckily not insulated.

 

[BlownGP]

Also exhaust wrap has been known to hold moisture in an speed up exhaust rot

Yeah, I've read that about wrapping headers.

Maybe I can try some reflective tape on the tranny pan. Not a huge deal, just seeing how low I can get it.

I know the 8 speeds are designed to run hot, but I'm pretty sure the 5/6 speeds need to run cool. Which they do seem to from what I'm used too.

 

[MyOhFive]

Just get true duals and do away with the x-over pipe all together!

 

[SlowRoller]

One may consult with the folks in the towing area to get a baseline/range for 5-6 speed trans temps.

Cold oil is thick oil. You'll have better all-around performance/efficiency/longevity if the trans is operated in it's optimum temp range,,,. That's a big part of why they added thermal management on the last round of 4th Gens.

Just my opinion, but it's highly doubtful ones trans temps would be 'excessive' on an early 4th Gen unless you were operating in extreme conditions (heavily-loaded/towing up a mountain, etc).

Even in the heat of summer, if you are just be-boopin around / stop and go with an unloaded truck, trans temps should not be an issue.

 

[jag1886]

I would build a clamp on heat shield of some sort, heat resistant material riveted to it with an air gap between it and the exhaust pipe, that heat wrap stuff does the exact opposite of what they advertise, it causes a super heated area on the out side of the pipe and totally overheats the pipe itself causing early failure of the pipe.
If you really want to keep the heat in the pipe have it ceramic coated.

 

[BlownGP]

Just get true duals and do away with the x-over pipe all together!

Yeah, I have a maggy y-pipe. I just haven't gotten it installed. My exhaust guys said it would cost about $100 or so install and re-route the exhaust away from the tranny pan. Plus in the event I get headers, I will have to re-do it again..

One may consult with the folks in the towing area to get a baseline/range for 5-6 speed trans temps.

Cold oil is thick oil. You'll have better all-around performance/efficiency/longevity if the trans is operated in it's optimum temp range,,,. That's a big part of why they added thermal management on the last round of 4th Gens.

Just my opinion, but it's highly doubtful ones trans temps would be 'excessive' on an early 4th Gen unless you were operating in extreme conditions (heavily-loaded/towing up a mountain, etc).

Even in the heat of summer, if you are just be-boopin around / stop and go with an unloaded truck, trans temps should not be an issue.

Yeah, I'm not making a big deal about this. Was just curious.
Right now when it was 100* yesterday the trans hit 165*. Which by all means is cool to me. Way cooler than what I'm used to with my Grand Prix. My Grand Prix would hover around 200-210.

So I'm probably caring about it too much, since I can't keep my eyes off the gauges..lol

I would build a clamp on heat shield of some sort, heat resistant material riveted to it with an air gap between it and the exhaust pipe, that heat wrap stuff does the exact opposite of what they advertise, it causes a super heated area on the out side of the pipe and totally overheats the pipe itself causing early failure of the pipe.
If you really want to keep the heat in the pipe have it ceramic coated.

Yeah, I was waiting for somebody to say to get it ceramic coated.. Yeah would probably be the best option, but very costly.

 

[R/T_Fire]

I'd run the truck for a few hot laps and they put a pyrometer on it and see what your temps are in real life to see if there is any negative heat transfer before you get crazy.

But I would look into building a insulated heat baffle like ones similar to the one around most fuel tanks exposed to exhaust next to them if there is heat transfer from the exhaust

 

[SilverStreak88]

It was saying 106 on my phone here yesterday before it rained. Since I've gotten my Trans temp gauge hooked up I usually see the highest temp is 180 - that's in the hottest part of the day in stop and go traffic. Once I'm rolling good it drops down to 150 and below. I don't think you have anything to worry about.