Big Block cockpit heat

[Brandon K.]

Someone mentioned to me the other day the extreme amount of heat generated in the midyear big block cockpits. I was just wondering if anyone had any knowledge or experience about how hot the inside of a midyear big block gets as compared with the small block engine. Is there a substantial difference in the heat radiated to the inside?

Also, I know we've discussed the ceramic heat barriers before, and was wondering if anyone had any more data on how well that stuff works. Finally, does side exhaust make the interior cooler or hotter than under-the-car systems.

Thanks in advance! Brandon Korman

[Tom B.]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Brandon,

I'll take the easy one. The amount of heat radiated from the under-car exhaust "virtually" is eliminated. I'll state that the interior is "less hot". Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Brandon,

I'll take the easy one. The amount of heat radiated from the under-car exhaust "virtually" is eliminated. I'll state that the interior is "less hot". Tom #24014

[Roy S.]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Brandon,

I drive a big block car on the road tours, it is a coupe. I can tell you that withou the proper preperation the interior of these cars is very uncomfortable. I think a small block is the same way, no real experience here other than I have seen small block owners who look just as toasted as big block owners. I also think a convertible does the same thing.

What I have done is replace the original style jute padding under the carpet with a foil backed jute. They also make this stuff now with air bublle plastic and foil on one or both sides. It forms a heat bearier that tends to keep the heat out.

The first time I was ever able to drive a Corvette and lay my leg against the console on a long trip was after I installed the foil backed padding. When installed properly you cannot tell the carpet has the different type pad under it. It also sound proofs the compartment better than the original padding.

Side exhaust might not generate as much heat. They will however make you wish you had ear plugs on long trips.

Probably not a complete answer to your post, but this stuff works.


Roy Sinor - National Judging Chairman

[Roy S.]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Brandon,

I drive a big block car on the road tours, it is a coupe. I can tell you that withou the proper preperation the interior of these cars is very uncomfortable. I think a small block is the same way, no real experience here other than I have seen small block owners who look just as toasted as big block owners. I also think a convertible does the same thing.

What I have done is replace the original style jute padding under the carpet with a foil backed jute. They also make this stuff now with air bublle plastic and foil on one or both sides. It forms a heat bearier that tends to keep the heat out.

The first time I was ever able to drive a Corvette and lay my leg against the console on a long trip was after I installed the foil backed padding. When installed properly you cannot tell the carpet has the different type pad under it. It also sound proofs the compartment better than the original padding.

Side exhaust might not generate as much heat. They will however make you wish you had ear plugs on long trips.

Probably not a complete answer to your post, but this stuff works.


Roy Sinor - National Judging Chairman

[jerry]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

I have a 69 427/400 A.C. convertible with factory side exhaust, a 4 spd with 3.70s, it is every bit as hot as my friends identically equipped non side mount car, and I must admit I was suprised at this, the only true difference we notice is my door sills will almost burn your leg.

[jerry]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

I have a 69 427/400 A.C. convertible with factory side exhaust, a 4 spd with 3.70s, it is every bit as hot as my friends identically equipped non side mount car, and I must admit I was suprised at this, the only true difference we notice is my door sills will almost burn your leg.

[Tom B.]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Jerry, & Brandon,

Sorry I may have assumed too much. I was working off the experience I had with my 66 side exhaust. Tried to qualify it too, by saying "less hot". I still had heat then, just not as much. May be more difference with the "shark" side exhaust (continued radiation) and even difference with big block / small block. Maybe this wasn't so easy, could take more postings. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Jerry, & Brandon,

Sorry I may have assumed too much. I was working off the experience I had with my 66 side exhaust. Tried to qualify it too, by saying "less hot". I still had heat then, just not as much. May be more difference with the "shark" side exhaust (continued radiation) and even difference with big block / small block. Maybe this wasn't so easy, could take more postings. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

PS

Thought of a difference, shark "inner" doors are metal as opposed to fiberglass mid-year, may make a difference in heat retention / "hotter" sills. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

PS

Thought of a difference, shark "inner" doors are metal as opposed to fiberglass mid-year, may make a difference in heat retention / "hotter" sills. Tom #24014

[Jeff]

My experience...

My experience is...

...that non-air big block coupes are basically good for static display during the summer months even here in New England. Passable in late fall and early winter. (Same goes for roadsters with a top on.)

...that the sidepipe cars are as hot or hotter than an underbody car with the windows down, with the windows up (obviously, A/C cars only) they are slightly cooler.

...that only a perfectly functioning A/C system will come even close to offsetting the heat that comes through the firewall of a big block car, making the decision whether to open the windows or not a real toss-up. Unless you have the sidepipes, in which case, you go with the left window closed, if at all possible, because you not only hear the exhaust note when it exits the pipe but you hear it again when it bounces off the roadway. That double staccato is maddening (especially in a big block car with some miles on the pipes) unless you are 16 years old and severely hearing impaired.

...that I put many miles on a 65 FI roadster and 67 BB roadster both with sidepipes and I used to wear one earplug in my left ear in order to hear the radio and preserve my hearing. I'd give the other plug to passengers for their right ear.

...that small block cars are slightly better on all counts.

Regards, ;)

JP

[Jeff]

My experience...

My experience is...

...that non-air big block coupes are basically good for static display during the summer months even here in New England. Passable in late fall and early winter. (Same goes for roadsters with a top on.)

...that the sidepipe cars are as hot or hotter than an underbody car with the windows down, with the windows up (obviously, A/C cars only) they are slightly cooler.

...that only a perfectly functioning A/C system will come even close to offsetting the heat that comes through the firewall of a big block car, making the decision whether to open the windows or not a real toss-up. Unless you have the sidepipes, in which case, you go with the left window closed, if at all possible, because you not only hear the exhaust note when it exits the pipe but you hear it again when it bounces off the roadway. That double staccato is maddening (especially in a big block car with some miles on the pipes) unless you are 16 years old and severely hearing impaired.

...that I put many miles on a 65 FI roadster and 67 BB roadster both with sidepipes and I used to wear one earplug in my left ear in order to hear the radio and preserve my hearing. I'd give the other plug to passengers for their right ear.

...that small block cars are slightly better on all counts.

Regards, ;)

JP

[Tom Freeman]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Brandon, Don't have experence with midyears, but I have two 73's, one a bigblock coupe, the other a small block conv. Both with A/C. With the top up on the conv, I cannot tell much if any difference in the two cars. But both are comfortable, with or without the A/C. I have not added any additional heat barriers to them, but I have made sure ALL holes in the firewall are sealed and that ALL the factory heat barriers are in place.

[Tom Freeman]

Re: Big Block cockpit heat

Brandon, Don't have experence with midyears, but I have two 73's, one a bigblock coupe, the other a small block conv. Both with A/C. With the top up on the conv, I cannot tell much if any difference in the two cars. But both are comfortable, with or without the A/C. I have not added any additional heat barriers to them, but I have made sure ALL holes in the firewall are sealed and that ALL the factory heat barriers are in place.