Side vents: do you take the foam out or just cut holes?

[justn]

I'm going to vent the sides of my M7 myself and I'm wondering what everyone does with the foam (and heat shielding on the can side). I can see completely taking out the foam by the clutches, but I'm a bit reluctant to take out the foam and heat shielding near the can. So, if you've vented your sled, what did you do?

Thanks!

 

[Rucky]

Removed the foam and heat taped where the side panel comes near the can. Being a VENT, it will cool.... Exhaust heat shouldn't be an issue.

 

[m7]

I took it out and put heat tape on the muffler side.

 

[RC]

Take it out - 5 to 10 lbs savings!!

Just kidding on the weight. I drilled abunch of 2 1/8" holes in my panel and then taped the exhaust side with heat tape. Ran it around the property for a few spins and felt around and taped some more: The panel ended up being about 75% covered. I got a ugly black BMP can (ceramic would let off less heat) that probably lets off less heat cause its smaller then a oem can imo..........

 

[justn]

Now I guess the relevant question is, where can I buy heat tape?

 

[sled-fiend]

Now I guess the relevant question is, where can I buy heat tape?

Most any auto parts store.

 

[justn]

Thanks a lot for all the input. I think I know what my project is going to be tomorrow.

 

[Green Cat]

You shouldn't even need all that much heat tape. I had a SLP can on my 06 M7, and never heat taped anything. I also took ALL the flippin foam out from under the hood. That will help with underhood heat. The only time I ever had any problems with melting on the side panels was if the sled was leaned on its RH side (ie. stuck on a hill) and the side panel would push in against the can. But, this wasn't a problem, since the part that would always melt was hidden by the hood, and you could only see it with the hood open.

 

[RichardCranium]

the heat shielding on the foam is just to protect the foam, the plastic doesn't need it

 

[Cowboy1]

Take out the foam and call it good. The heat shielding is for the foam!