Engine heat? car is really hot, is it normal?

[Bane]

not sure where to post this...

if i push the car like i usually do, after a 1hr drive, i find the hood and front fenders uncomfortably hot to the touch. (this is with AC off, couldn't tell you if it's any different with it on)

if i pop the hood and grab the hood stand, i can only hold it for a moment or two without wanting to yelp.

now, is this normal for these cars? i've really got no one else running a stock legacy (by that i mean a stock 2.2t engine and transmission)up here to compare with.

or is it normal for these cars running a topmount intercooler and a bigger turbo? i'm running 02 intercooler and a vf34.

i haven't done the injectors and a tune yet (hoping to in the next round of mods) could the engine just be running hot because it's running lean? the a/f gauge is usually mid to rich in stoich

the engine isn't overheating judging by the thermostat, and i've had no problems with coolant.

i will be installing the wrx scoop and diffuser this weekend (so i'm hoping this will help), but i'm wondering if i should install a pair of Impreza RS vents as well???

any suggestions or thoughts?

i'm running 5w30 Royal Purple... should i switch to 10w30 or heavier?

[dscoobydoo]

Not sure about everyone else, but my car is very hot after a good run. I put some coating on my temporary intercooler vent and it bubbles after a good hot run.

I opted for the downpipe and turbo wrap to keep things a little cooler.

You might consider these cheap options before anything else.

[Murphy]

yeah ive heard wrapping your exhaust can make a good difference in the engine bay temperature

i remember after i topped my car out, i popped the hood, it was freakin burning up, and there was smoke pouring out cause i burned off all the oil that was on my exhaust manifold
engine block temps stayed below the halfway mark though, ive never seen it hit the halfway point

[Bane]

thanks for the replies guys, makes me feel a little more at ease.

i will definitely pursue the exhaust wrap as well.

[gto7419]

Be careful with exhaust wrap as it can cause other problems.....

It can hold moisture in and cause corrosion.
If you get oil on it, it becomes flammable.

Its also toxic. Wear a mask, and dont let it touch your skin.

[Bane]

lol, okay so maybe i won't be using it! those are some scary warnings!

[gto7419]

lol, okay so maybe i won't be using it! those are some scary warnings!

A lot of people use it - you should just be aware of its "side effects" before making a decision....

[dscoobydoo]

Be careful with exhaust wrap as it can cause other problems.....

It can hold moisture in and cause corrosion. ( just do it after is has been inside and has been warmed to "cure")
If you get oil on it, it becomes flammable. ( certain ones can, but I would not make a big issue of this unless you have quite a few leaks)

Its also toxic. Wear a mask, and dont let it touch your skin. ( again, some are- some aren't. They are eat resistant, and some of the chemicals that make this are bad for you. Just don't go chewing it and wear basic mech gloves, and you should be fine)

Note my additions in parenthesis!

[BXSS]

Our race car had issues with heat-wrap after the flywheel exploded, broke through the bell housing of the tranny & chopped the oil filter in 1/2 causing oil to be sprayed on the downpipe which caused a fire!
If the car did not have a scattershield the driver would have been a couple of feet shorter. We found parts that evening & ran 9.98 the next day (old school drag car turbo rotary powered).
My buddies 1JZ powered Toyota Cressida burned to the ground after the Wrap on the DP caught fire (oil leak).

[Murphy]

an oil leak is one thing
but if its being sprayed with oil, wont it most likely catch fire either way?