Engine Compartment Insulation

[hrosenthal]

I already have plans to insulate the interior of my MKIV, but wanted to insulate both sides of the aluminum. I'm not sure if Lizard Skin is a good product or if it is designed to be put in the engine compartment.
I'd really prefer something that does not need to be sprayed.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

[edwardb]

Lizard Skin is a good product. Used it on my Mk3 build and will be spraying the interior and trunk of my Mk4 build this week. According to their website, the sound control material can withstand up to 300 degrees, and the ceramic (heat) insulation up to 500 degrees. So at least the ceramic could be applied on the firewall side if not too close to the headers. Now you will get lots of opinions about this (like everything) but what engine and exhaust setup are you using? Especially with a small block setup, where clearances are pretty reasonable, good sound and heat insulation on the inside works very well in my experience. I'm just not sure how much it adds (if anything) to put on the firewall side if a good application is made on the interior. That's how I have my Mk3 set up, and heat in the cockpit is a non-issue. My Mk4 will be the same.

There are lots of products besides Lizard Skin. I actually like that Lizard Skin is sprayed vs. stick-on because I don't particularly like cutting and fitting the foil-backed stuff, it's relatively thin (where space is an issue already) and it seals everything up really well. But everyone is different, and use what works best for you.

[68GT500MAN]

Some have used aluminum panels with standoffs to create an air gap thus reducing heat transfer. I remember one build that used a gold looking film created by NASA to insulate. I just left mine alone, it makes winter driving nice.
Doug

[DaleG]

My preference is to insulate the engine side of footboxes, firewall, and tranny tunnel with Thermo-Tec insulating blanket (available at Summit). On my MK II build I used a glue-on blanket; had absolutely no footbox heat. On MK IV, I'm going to use an adhesive-backed blanket and expect the same results. Figure I can do it for <$400; worth it to me to guarantee comfort. I've been in our cars that have no insulation and it is very uncomfortable. My opinion only. I have no experience with LizardSkin. Another option is this: www.quietride.com. Navigate around as they have a custom fit product for roadsters and 33's that incorporate both insulation and sound deadening, applied to cockpit side only.

Cheers, Dale