Thermo-Tec Products

Thermo-Tec Products — Exhaust Wrap, Heat Shields & Thermal Management for Performance Vehicles

Thermo-Tec has been engineering thermal management products for the performance aftermarket since 1980, producing exhaust wrap, heat shields, thermal barriers, and insulation solutions that address one of the most persistent challenges in performance vehicle builds — underhood and cockpit heat management. From wrapping headers to shielding fuel lines and protecting wiring from exhaust heat, Thermo-Tec products reduce component temperatures, improve intake air density, and protect heat-sensitive components from the radiant and conductive heat generated by high-performance exhaust systems.

Exhaust Wrap

Thermo-Tec exhaust wrap is the most widely used thermal management product in the performance aftermarket, applied to headers, exhaust manifolds, and exhaust pipes to contain exhaust heat within the pipe rather than radiating it into the engine bay. Keeping exhaust heat contained reduces underhood temperatures, lowers intake air temperature for improved engine performance, and protects surrounding components — wiring, hoses, and fuel lines — from the radiant heat that causes premature deterioration and failure.

Thermo-Tec wrap is available in fiberglass and basalt fiber constructions in multiple widths and roll lengths to match different header tube diameters and coverage requirements. Temperature ratings vary by product — standard fiberglass wrap handles continuous temperatures up to 1,200°F, while high-temperature basalt fiber wrap is rated for continuous exposure up to 1,800°F for the most demanding race and high-performance street applications. Wrap is secured with stainless steel locking ties included with most kits.

Heat Shields

Thermo-Tec heat shields are pre-formed and cut-to-fit thermal barriers that protect specific components from radiant heat without the wrapping process required for exhaust wrap. Aluminized fiberglass and multi-layer heat shield materials reflect radiant heat away from protected components, with self-adhesive backing on most products for straightforward installation on flat and moderately curved surfaces.

Heat shield applications include fuel line protection from exhaust heat, carburetor and throttle body heat shield pads that reduce heat soak between the intake manifold and the carburetor, firewall insulation to reduce cockpit heat from the engine bay, and floor pan insulation for transmission tunnel and exhaust routing areas. Thermo-Tec produces pre-cut heat shield kits for the most common application areas, as well as roll stock for custom coverage of non-standard areas.

Thermal Sleeves & Hose Protection

Thermo-Tec thermal sleeves protect fuel lines, brake lines, wiring harnesses, and hydraulic hoses from radiant and conductive heat in areas where routing near exhaust components is unavoidable. Aluminized fiberglass sleeve construction reflects radiant heat and provides a thermal barrier between the heat source and the protected component. Sleeves are available in multiple diameters and lengths to match different line and hose sizes, with hook-and-loop closure on most designs for easy installation without cutting or disconnecting the protected line.

Cockpit & Interior Insulation

Thermo-Tec produces cockpit insulation products for race cars and performance street vehicles where transmission tunnel, floor pan, and firewall heat intrusion creates uncomfortable and potentially unsafe cockpit temperatures. Multi-layer insulation materials combine a reflective outer surface with an insulating core to address both radiant and conductive heat transfer through the floor and tunnel surfaces. These products are particularly valuable in race cars where factory insulation has been removed for weight reduction, and in high-performance street builds where exhaust routing close to the floor pan generates significant heat intrusion.

Common Applications

Thermo-Tec products are used across drag race cars, road course vehicles, circle track cars, hot rods, street rods, restomod builds, and high-performance street vehicles where exhaust heat management is a priority. Header wrap is applicable to any vehicle with aftermarket headers or high-output exhaust manifolds. Heat shields and thermal sleeves are used wherever fuel lines, brake lines, or wiring must be routed near exhaust components in the engine bay or chassis.

Installation Notes

Thermo-Tec exhaust wrap should be applied wet for easier handling and tighter wrapping — soak the wrap in water before application and wrap tightly with 50% overlap for complete coverage without gaps. Secure the wrap ends with stainless steel locking ties rather than wire to prevent unraveling under heat cycling. Heat shield adhesive backing requires a clean, dry surface for correct bonding — clean the mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol before applyi...