Insulation on manifold?

[Doug Larsson]

I have a 1973 Dodge Charger I found this on the back side of the manifold above the bell housing any guesses to why it's there and should I leave it.

 

[Doug Larsson]

Never mind I found out why it's there.

 

[polywideblock]

why is it there ?

 

[Dako]

Looks like a forgotten burrito.

 

[Richard Cranium]

It's just an old pan of Jiffy Pop.

 

[YY1]

jiffy pop, that's exactly what I thought the first time I saw one.

Big block Mopar factory intake, the original "air gap".

Guess the engineers figured the gap needed a little help, although I'd question the effectiveness after warm up.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Personally, I have seen some similar pieces of insulation with aluminum covering under big block intake manifolds, I think mid-late 70's. They're usually dirty & soaked with oil in the junkyard. They appear to be an attempt to reduce vapor lock by insulating the intake/carb better from the engine valley. I've only seen a few of these, so they "might" be aftermarket, but I believe they're OEM. What I've seen looks like the picture, but is a bigger piece. I had one of a '77 Cordoba lean burn 400 4bbl.

 

[moparnation74]

Weren't they mainly on cars equipped with AC.

 

[kiwigtx]

Could be as simple as a section of the hood insulation pad that fell off and just came to rest in that position?

Nah...the burrito idea is much better.

 

[moparnation74]

Performance car graphics carries a new replacement set....

 

[Darthomas]

My 71 318 Dart with a.c. had this, and gave me a moment of question.
The heat crossover passage was blocked solid with carbon.
Took it out and almost forgot about it until now.
Utterly useless.

 

[Doug Larsson]

I did read the 400bb does run hotter than most also. The article I read said it was also there for reduction in valve noise and to help keep the manifold from cracking from cold air entering the back part of the hood.

 

[Mike67]

While on the subject and not trying to hijack the thread, has anyone found a ceramic thermal paint that would hold up to engine temps and fluids? Would there be any benefit to paint the valley pan, block & intake with it ?

 

[khryslerkid]

Yep, just insulation. They'll deteriorate after all the kernels of corn pop.
My '62 361 had one. What's left of it.

 

[patrick66]

It was an effort to reduce valve noise, is all. Nothing weird or sinister. It works, too.

 

[Doug Larsson]

So I guess I should just go to Home Depot and get some or should I order the real deal .Im just going to replace this piece not the whole thing.

 

[khryslerkid]

I think most will leave it out. No big deal. When you replace the valley pan they don't give you one and I don't even think any parts houses carry them.

 

[WileE]

It's actually a factory part which was installed sporadically. I recall the first time I discovered it during a repair back then, threw it out.

 

[Mike67]

I don't think the depot would have anything rated for high temp that would not burst into flame... I could be wrong though...

 

[Doug Larsson]

Thank you every one for your input it's greatly appreciated.