Heat wrap on downpipes necessary?

[Hmh800]

A0505704-A0CC-4E36-918E-3599BFFA47F1.jpg7F3BD330-BB13-4D31-9E2E-D65D54B6ADC6.jpgAs part of my stage 3 build I am replacing the stock downpipes with XS Power catless downpipes. I see a lot of guys wrapping theirs, but as this will be a year round car I don’t know how the wrap would handle the winter road grime. I’m not concerned about looks, but in the lifespan of the wrap, and even though the downpipes are stainless, corrosion there.
I still have the heat shields in place in the engine compartment, but am I going to roast either myself or parts of the underside of the car if I don’t do something to control heat from the exhaust?
Thanks!

[CELison]

Do not wrap them if you plan on driving in the rain or snow. I’ve seen some completely rust through with heat wrap.

[LJS]

+2
If you're using your auto all of the time the wrap will simply be a moisture trap and will degrade over time.
ALSO
Without the CAT the temperatures will be MUCH lower--a wrap isn't really needed.
FWIW- I had wrapped my downpipes (XS Power catless 3" to 2-1/2") but removed it when I did a clutch warranty replacement (tranny drop) as I damaged several of the wrap straps when removing the downpipe...
I noticed NO difference in engine compartment temperatures with the absence of the wrap which I found real interesting
I've been running wrap less for some 10,000 miles
PS- The downpipe is a 300 series Stainless Steel so surface corrosion will not be an issue. It will discolor but not corrode.

[Audibot]

You could consider ceramic coating as well

[Hmh800]

Perfect, that’s what I was thinking. Thanks for replies!

[eagano]

I had 034 DPs ceramic coated for $80 and I think it made a difference in temps.

[belms4]

I'd say depends where you live and drive the car. If you're on the east coast where they get that weird rust and corrosion stuff all over every part of a car then don't wrap them. If you're out west then go for it. I'm near Denver and wrap all mine (I remove the heat shields). Never had a problem with moisture rotting anything here even with winter snow. I'll probably ceramic coat my next set though just to make it easier.

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