Thermal Barriers

THERMAL RACE BARRIERS ARE DESIGNED TO EFFECTIVELY REDUCE THE TRANSFER OF RADIATED HEAT. 

In many instances, keeping the heat within the component – e.g. as hotter exhaust gasses improve engine/turbocharger efficiency.

Metallic elite covering systems provide excellent thermal barrier properties, that have been tested in various competition applications e.g. F1™, Le Mans, STCC, WRC etc.

Parallel Motion applies its racing thermal barrier coverings for thermal insulation, reduced heat dissipation, and improved wear resistance throughout it’s range of racing activities. With thermal insulation solutions required across multiple industries, we are well placed to utilise our skills for multi-industry collaborations.

Increased Efficiency

Once fitment of a thermally insulated engine component is complete, engine performance and efficiency will be improved in a number of ways:

  • Keeping the exhaust gases hotter - they flow more easily through the exhaust catalyst/silencer and this aids cylinder scavenging. This benefits all engine types.
  • Keeping heat in the exhaust gas allows turbochargers to spool up more quickly making turbocharged engines more responsive.
  • By reducing engine bay temperatures our coverings can help reduce intake air temperature. A drop in intake air temperature of just 30oC (86oF) can deliver a 6% increase in power (or increase engine efficiency leading to less fuel usage), with thermally insulated engine component systems able to reduce rear underbonnet temperatures by up to 50oC (122oF) typically.

Parallel thermal coverings are designed to maintain adhesion at temperatures above the normal operating range of an exhaust system. Depending on the variant, Parallel coverings can handle base metal temperatures up to 1100oC (2012oF). The Parallel range of thermal barrier coverings are specifically designed to prevent unwanted heat loss from engine exhaust system components. Lower under bonnet & floor temperatures reduce the inevitable strain on electrical and fuel systems, improving reliability.

Superior Performance

Fitment of our range of Parallel thermal insulations for racing components offers the following benefits:

  • Increased durabilty - Protecting components against corrosion, and volatile thermal attack, whilst continuing to perform race after race. Will not discolour violently like untreated/polished metal.
  • Significantly lower external catalyst temps. - Surface temperatures can reduce by up to approx. 35%.
  • Reduced heat transfer - Less heat loss from the insulated engine component results in lower engine bay temperatures. Reductions of up to approx. 50oC potentially (rear engine).
  • Protection for vulnerable components - Ideal for items located close to the exhaust catalyst, thereby avoiding heat damage, increasing component life, and allowing closer packaging of equipment inside the rear engine bay.
  • Reduced footwells & bulkhead heatsoak - Drivers are potentially cooler, more comfortable, and more able to concentrate.
  • Rapid cooling of the exhaust catalyst - The surface temperature of the insulation drops quickly when the engine is turned off, making pit stops faster, easier and safer.
  • Durablity - A surface finish and texture that is robust, sealed and easily maintained. Ideal barrier against corrosive winter salt.
  • Ultra high level of thermal performance - Parallel thermal covering is suitable for applications of up to 1100oC (2012oF).
  • Highly efficient yet lightweight - Incredibly thin applications of covering ensure minimal weight gain.
  • Improved engine performance & reliability - Lower air intake temperatures lead to increased engine power, whilst keeping the heat inside the expelled exhaust gas. This allows the gases to flow more easily increasing cylinder scavenging, allowing turbochargers to spool up more quickly (and helping to prevent fuel evaporation in older cars). 

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Turbo Performance

Parallel thermally insulated racing engine components for turbocharged cars notably increase performance and reliability legally - by reducing heat near the turbo, engine bay temperatures can be reduced, protecting sensitive electrical parts and reducing the risk of fuel vaporisation.  There is increased performance too; keeping heat inside the turbo helps it spool up quicker, improving throttle response and lag. Typically, it can bring the turbo up to speed 300 or 400 rpm sooner, which one can feel in the crispness of the throttle response.

By covering the turbo downpipe, for example, Parallel Motion is able to significantly reduce the amount of heat escaping into the engine compartment, lowering engine compartment temperatures, which in turn improves reliability and safety. It is the effectiveness of the Parallel thermal covering, offering surface temperature reductions of as much as 35%, that has seen racers specify Parallel insulated components for their performance requirements. 


N/A Performance

Parallel insulated racing engine components for non-turbocharged cars notably increase performance and reliability legally. Exhaust gas temperatures up to 1000oC (1832oF) inside a thin walled steel manifold can cause these problems:

• Increase in under-bonnet temperature reducing engine inlet air density and power
• Reduced durability of surrounding electrical, hydraulic and mechanical components
• Fuel vapourisation, particularly on older engines
• Driver/rider discomfort
• Heat soak on engine shut down

Parallel thermally insulated racing engine components help reduce or eliminate these problems.

(Parallel Motion uniquely thermally insulated engine component systems to give maximum heat insulation, protection from internal corrosion, and for durability).