[dradernh]

Originally Posted by aerobod

Yes, that would have significantly more effect than any metal shim (as long as it isn’t compressible to any degree, which it shouldn’t be, and is very even in thickness). It would be interesting to see if it would stay bonded to a shim without cracking under brake pressure.

My experience with Swaintech is that they likely know and would certainly be willing to share the likelihood of cracking due to pressure under these circumstances. I took my first job to them in person, and the impression I developed was that they are a very professional operation.

I used their White Lightning product on my E36 M3 race car's S50B32 headers and the reduction in underhood temperatures was significant. I didn't collect any measured or comparative data, but the anecdotal lift-the-hood-and-feel-the-difference-in-the-amount-of-heat-coming-off-the-engine experience was telling.

I used Swaintech's product on the race car after having first used it to good effect on a tuned Volvo V70R and then after being told by my shop that the greatest general danger to the longevity of the S50B32 was heat buildup/retention in the head. The shop owner had an advanced degree in internal combustion engines, so I was inclined to listen to what he had to say.

The basic instructions after I bought the car were to get the hood up immediately after exiting the car in the pits. That got me used to how much heat was coming off the engine in ambient temperatures ranging from 35° F to 95° F. As I say, after having the Swaintech coating applied, it was evident under all circumstances that it was reducing underhood temperatures by what I perceived to be a significant amount. It didn't hurt that the ceramic coating, along with gold foil on the firewall and transmission tunnel, significantly reduced the temperature in the driver's chair. Before that, I was baking in that chair on days above 75° F.

I thought Swaintech's prices were reasonable for the value they provided. That's going back a dozen years now, so I can't comment on how that is today.