Cockpit Heat

[Ranger144]

I am now the proud owner of a 6-spd '02 coupe (my first Corvette!). As I have spent some time in the vehicle, I have noticed that the center console (tranny tunnel) becomes VERY hot after about an hour in the car, specifically between the back of the shifter and the far end (with respect to the shifter) of the glovebox (between the seats). I mean so hot that if keys are put in the center glovebox, especially at the front of it, they become too hot to hold in your hand. It also heats up the inboard sides of both seats.

The car has ceramic headers, an x pipe, Corsa 3.5 Pro exhaust and a lot of other professionally installed components. Is it possible to have some heat shielding put in there to keep the cabin temps down? Is this normal?

Thank you for your help. This is a great forum.

Steve

 

[corvettecrazy]

welcome.

it is probablly possible. not sure how but other people will be able to help you.

BTW you can now fill in your corvette ownership box.

 

[Red73BB]

welcome ranger.
I had the same problem, only mine is a '73. I ended up buying and installing heat shield under the carpet. That did the trick for me. Being a new car you probably don't want to remove the carpet. I'm sure other new car owners will jump in.

 

[Ranger144]

Thanks, CC & Red!

I'll take up the carpet if I have to. It's already hot enough in Tampa this time of year! I'm hoping to hear of something less radical, but you know the deal....

Steve

 

[ccflorida]

Welcome Steve

Know what you mean about the heat especially in Florida.. I am in the process of installing Koolmat in my 79. Check out the web site www.koolmat.com. There are cheaper heat shield products that you can buy at Lowes too..Their are threads in the c3 section about heat shield if ya do a search..

 

[Ranger144]

Thanks everyone! It appears that I have failed to do a search prior to posting. Now that I've looked at other threads, it seems I have a few choices:

1) Install heat shielding under the carpet.
2) Install heat shielding at the top of the tranny tunnell (external).
3) Wrap the pipes (limited relief?)

Has anyone out there gone through the trouble of taking up the carpets and console to mount from the inside? I presume that this is the best solution, but also the biggest commitment in terms of effort.

Steve

 

[Dragon Daddy]

I know that this is a very old thread, but others may find this information valuable.

As you know, the primary contributor to heat in the vehicle comes from the exhaust tubes in the tunnel.

You can install a heat barrier (there are many types) between the floor / tunnel sides and the carpet, but this adds bulk to an already space-challenged situation, and eventually the insulation material heats up and begins to radiate heat on its own.

You really need some method for removing the heat mechanically.

If you take a look at where the mufflers and cat converters are located, you will see that GM has installed metal heat shields that are spaced away from the surface that they are protecting.

The air space allows for a mechanical removal of heat (as the vehicle is driven) instead of attempting to block the heat with insulation.

So, following the GM engineered model, I crafted an aluminum plate to surround the exhaust (on three sides) while still leaving a 3/8" air space between the plate and the tunnel sides and the tunnel closeout panel.

Designing the plate and having it fabricated was a little tricky, but there is adequate room if you measure carefully.

I took heat measurements at the base of the tunnel before and after I installed the shield and I measured a 30 degree heat reduction under medium load conditions (driving in hilly areas) and a 20 degree heat reduction when cruising (flat roads).

If you are interested in more detailed information, send me a PM and I will share more.