Bellypan and Ventilation Idea

[GasSavers_Otto]

Originally Posted by BluEyes

The water pump is engine driven and is turning all of the time no matter what. If anything, a hotter engine would result in less water pump drag because the thermostat would be open, resulting in less resistance to flow and less power being drawn by the pump.

Cooler underhood temps will help anything rubber or plastic live longer though.

Well, maybe not--even though the water pump is turning all the time, the load imposed on it by pumping through the radiator is probably greater than if only just the coolant in the engine. In other words, with the T-stat open the pump has a significantly greater mass of coolant to move, over a greater distance and in a draggier pathway.

I agree that cooler underhood temps are better for most things that reside there, especially rubber or plastic.

[Mentalic]

Originally Posted by Otto

Fortunately, my cars have stainless steel exhaust plumbing, so corrosion from exhaust wrap retaining moisture would not be a problem. Besides, not that much external moisture would be in contact with the exhaust system if an undertray were installed on the car.

Just be sure your wrap material does not contain any chlorides. I've seen plenty of insulated stainless tubing destroyed by improper insulation.

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

yeah actually road salt will make a mess of SS, so if a vehicle is winter driven, you can't be complacent about SS under wrap.

[kamesama980]

Originally Posted by Otto

Well, maybe not--even though the water pump is turning all the time, the load imposed on it by pumping through the radiator is probably greater than if only just the coolant in the engine. In other words, with the T-stat open the pump has a significantly greater mass of coolant to move, over a greater distance and in a draggier pathway.

I agree that cooler underhood temps are better for most things that reside there, especially rubber or plastic.

wrong about pumping resistance. when the thermostat is closed, the pump has to get x volume through the bypass hose. when the thermostat is open, the pump has to get x volume through the bypass hose AND radiator. more/larger path with the same volume=less pressure/load

[Bbasso]

If you are worried about heat from the exhaust, try getting it coated. Something like, high heat ceramic coating. http://www.hpcoatings.com/default.aspx I have no experience with this link- just used it as a reference for those who did not know what I was talking about.