hood insulation opinions

[vintage_car]

The original insulation on my hood is falling apart. One section is completely gone and the other 2 sections aren't far behind. I've seen some of that reflective hood insulation sold in a kit and wanted to know if anyone had used it, recommended it, or just thought insulation was plain stupid and was a waste of money?

[Guest Anonymous]

I have the open foam insulation on the 72 and the foil faced on the turbo. With very few miles on it the 72's is discolored. I'd suggest the foil faced. I see it listed in the BMP Classics catalog. Can't recall the price however. I don't think I would want to runwithout it due to temp possibly affecting the paint

[dlhoovler]

...and the original paint on my '71's hood is great, even on the underside. I'm sure it helps to quiet things a little, though. Maybe.

-Dave

[vintage_car]

That was my concern as well about the paint being affected.

[Ian]

I don't think its necessary. I removed mine from my M2, where the S14 engine sits very close to the hood, and have not had any paint defects. You might notice a little more engine noise, but these cars are not known for their quietness to begin with. I suspect you won't notice the absence of the hood insulation unless you are already adding a lot of sound deadening material to your interior.

Ian

'76 M2 (no hood insulation)

[vintage_car]

Sound isn't the problem, I don't mind the sound of the engine at all. Just heat, but if your s14 is not harming the paint I don't see how mine could. How long have you had your s14 and how frequently do you drive it.

[Ian]

I put in the S14 back in '94 or '95, and used it as a daily driver and track car until 2002. With the acquisition of a 2002 Mini Cooper S the M2 has been a weekend/track car for the last couple of years.

Ian

'76 M2

[02fanatic]

Actually, I think it's a crying shame to cover up a perfect paint job!..even if it's under the hood. Hugo even has a header, and I don't see any problems yet...although Hugo has probably less than 2 hours total road time! :-)

[Mike Self]

both started to look ratty after about three our four years...With a GREAT DEAL of labor, kerosene, carb cleaner and fingernails, I cleaned all the mess off and left the hood undersides clean. No paint damage yet...

I wouln't replace the grey foam unless I was doing a show car.

cheers

mike

[dlhoovler]

He did say that he used to wax the underside of the hood regularly, so maybe he took it off way back when.

-Dave

[vintage_car]

removing it will be the ugly part of the whole process. That tape is a mess.