Header/exhaust cooling

[Tim7139]

Given that this was something found on big block cars, has anybody modified their wheel wells to include a small cutout with wire mesh to assist on blowing cool air into that junction?
Has there been many cars or any personal experience with some of you high HP guys with heat damage?

[HSC-ZL1]

I would not mess with the wheel wells. I have an all aluminum big block. I made a pair of aluminum shields with reflective insulation that I mounted between the wheel wells and the fire wall the deflect header heat from brake and clutch hydraulics. A shroud and high volume puller fan to move air around and out of engine bay. Motor runs about 190- 192 on 90 degree days.

[Tim7139]

I'm not talking about engine heat, engine bay. This is only about cool air going past header/body junction.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Tim7139;1****50

Given that this was something found on big block cars, has anybody modified their wheel wells to include a small cutout with wire mesh to assist on blowing cool air into that junction?

You mean like this?

[Blas]

While an interesting idea putting air vents in the front wheelwells, I can't help but wonder if air entering at that location would not move additional heat from the headers into the engine compartment area, which would probably be the path of least resistance I would think, rather then out the small side vents. Thoughts? Did originals have this feature? Just thinking out loud here....

[Tim7139]

Originally Posted by patrickt;1****59

You mean like this?

Pretty much. The pics I've seen on original cars look a bit more " trapezoidal" if you will. Seen a few pics but no reference as to customer mods or factory mods.
Really, the question has more to do with their functionality, if any.
It would appear, not much of a vent would allow plenty of air.

[Tim7139]

Originally Posted by Blas;1****62

While an interesting idea putting air vents in the front wheelwells, I can't help but wonder if air entering at that location would not move additional heat from the headers into the engine compartment area, which would probably be the path of least resistance I would think, rather then out the small side vents. Thoughts? Did originals have this feature? Just thinking out loud here....

Some seemed to, whether they were customer mods or not.
I'd suspect with hood scoops, radiater air, etc. there would be enough to force it, and some exhaust heat, down and out.
The other possible option would be some foil shielding on the interior, around the pipes outlet. Pretty much sight unseen but a layer of protection.
I've seen some cases of heat degradation in the area but no way of knowing if it's at all frequent in anything other than big HP motors or misaligned exhaust.

[Young1]

Uniques have a factory cut softball sized hole in the upper wheel well to bring air across headers and out vents.