Spec Boxster Build

[thstone]

Well, with summer and hot temps coming I decided to take a look at the front engine cover. I have found that this cover radiates a huge amount of heat into the cockpit. On a cold winter day at Willow Springs, this is great. On a hot summer day at Willow, its like having the heater running full blast.

I bought some automotive insulating foam (EZCool - Automotive Car Insulation) and put two layers on the inside of the front engine cover panel using high temp industrial spay adhesive for bonding. This insulation is EXTREMELY light and the weight of the two layers was only about 4 oz.

I'll report back next weekend after racing at AutoClub Speedway if this helped to reduce cockpit temps.

As you can see here, the chassis has substantial insulation lining the interior of the engine compartment:


That is, everywhere except for the front engine cover - no insulation! Of course, in a street car this is normally insulated by the heavily insulated engine compartment carpet behind the seats.


Two layers of insulation;


The final product. Installed perfectly.

[rastta]

Originally Posted by thstone

Well, with summer and hot temps coming I decided to take a look at the front engine cover. I have found that this cover radiates a huge amount of heat into the cockpit. On a cold winter day at Willow Springs, this is great. On a hot summer day at Willow, its like having the heater running full blast.

I agree on the cabin heat. My boxster came with an integrated cool shirt system - but I took it out for the weekend we both drove since my wife had an instructor and I didn't want the hassle of taking it in and out.

Car was really hot as there are no air events in it anymore. Not being that familiar with the car - I didn't know that this piece comes off. Insulating it should work well. I might have to give this a try.

I'm also working on a way to draw air back into the cabin. I'll post pics when I start working on it.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by rastta

I agree on the cabin heat. My boxster came with an integrated cool shirt system - but I took it out for the weekend we both drove since my wife had an instructor and I didn't want the hassle of taking it in and out.

Car was really hot as there are no air events in it anymore. Not being that familiar with the car - I didn't know that this piece comes off. Insulating it should work well. I might have to give this a try.

I'm also working on a way to draw air back into the cabin. I'll post pics when I start working on it.

I also use a cool shirt system but still wanted to reduce the heat load in the cabin. To get some air into the car, I opened up the air vents under the front cowl. Its not a lot of air but it helps.

[rastta]

Originally Posted by thstone

I also use a cool shirt system but still wanted to reduce the heat load in the cabin. To get some air into the car, I opened up the air vents under the front cowl. Its not a lot of air but it helps.

That's what I'm going to do - I'm going to take a square duct - this one in fact



and put it in the passenger side air vent under the cowl - it should fit right in. Then connect a hose to it and have the hose come out under the steering column area. Also debating about putting one of these in-line - and have it controlled by a switch on my dash. I'll see how it does without a fan and go from there.