Excess heat entering your MX-5 intake is a no-no. Not only does it accelerate engine wear, but it also creates less power. Researching proper engine bay heat management for your Mazda is an important part of keeping your car in top condition, boosting its performance as well as any interior comfort. Here’s what you need to invest in to keep engine temps down on your MX-5.
Exhaust Wrap
Heat management often starts with a good-quality exhaust wrap. Since you’re aiming to keep temperatures on your Mazda as low as you can so your engine has a good source of cool air, exhaust wraps can insulate the exhaust manifold and stop any unwanted heat from making its way into the engine bay. It’s also great for shielding any nearby running components and protecting precious bodywork that’s susceptible to heat damage. Our favourite exhaust wrap, the Lava Wrap, can withstand continuous temperatures of almost 650°C …
Thermal Barriers
The firewall is a particularly vulnerable area when it comes to heat transfer. Because heat will always want to transfer through metal surfaces close by, the large surface area of the firewall means it’s particularly susceptible to soaking heat within the engine bay. That’s where thermal barriers, or heat barriers, come in.
By applying a thermal barrier to the surface of the firewall, either locally in small spots or to cover the full surface, you can prevent any heat transfer – as well as unwanted heat entering the driver cabin and making your ride uncomfortable.
Turbo Blanket
If you’re dealing with a turbocharged engine, you’ll not only need to consider your hot exhaust manifold, but also the fact your turbo is probably the hottest thing under your MX-5 bonnet!
Similar to an exhaust wrap, a high-quality turbo blanket holds the heat within the turbo turbine and stops it from going into your engine bay. Isolating the heat here will ensure gases stay hot and move quickly. The result? Faster spool-up times, a more linear power curve, and, of course, more access to cooler and more dense air for your intakes.
At BOFI Racing, we stock everything you need for proper engine bay heat management. Exhaust wraps, thermal barriers, turbo blankets – we only supply the best parts available. It’s why we’re proud to say we stock the largest range of mx5 parts including Mazda MX-5 parts including exhaust system in Europe, all of which are sourced directly from quality brands across the world.
