Performance & Maintenance Engine, forced induction, intakes, exhausts, torque converters, transmissions, etc.

Using foam in the engine bay [BFI]

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-03-09, 01:06 AM
  #1  
menty
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
 
menty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Using foam in the engine bay [BFI]

Now we all know that the BFI is one of the most efficient forms of intake.

The stock airbox is cut open, the restrictive snorkel is removed and the airbox blocked off.

My question is, is it Okay to use packing foam to block the airbox from the hot engine bay? This packing foam is the soft/flufffy squishy one that comes in massive sheets that are a few cm thick (The type that is about 5cm thick but if you squeeze it it can become 3cm) Sort of like the ones you find when you open a motherboard case - like the grey ones here
http://www.foamexpress1.com/Packaging_Foam.php

I was talking to the Clark Rubber guy and he said that the foam would deteriorate due to the fumes in the engine. Also, my biggest concern is: Will this foam expand under the hot conditions of a engine environment? I know that some forms of foam will expand under heat. Or will it get so hot as to cause a fire?
Old 02-03-09, 02:28 AM
  #2  
sc-driver
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (7)
 
sc-driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SoCal & SLOcal
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I wouldn't feel safe using that foam. If I were you, I would get some ABS plastic and shape it into the shape I need. Or go to home depot, buy some Acrylic or Polycarbonate plastic and cut out your own custom piece.

Keep in mind that Polycarbonate is, I believe, the strongest and most heat resistant plastic. Although it is a little bit harder to work with. I used polycarbonate for my BFI mod.

Good luck
Old 02-03-09, 03:55 PM
  #3  
NineTreSc3
Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
NineTreSc3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Va
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Polyethylene Closed Cell Foam is what you need. any type of closed cell foam really. go to your local camping store like Dicks or whatever and get it. its the foam used when sleeping on the ground to block out heat and cold because its closed cell.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GetKinetic
RC F (2015-present)
13
05-23-17 11:20 PM
Zinda
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
17
04-27-14 08:32 AM
italiandud
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
4
09-12-07 08:54 PM
BottomsUp
Automotive Care & Detailing
6
10-08-06 08:19 PM



Quick Reply: Using foam in the engine bay [BFI]



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:53 PM.