Engine Bay Temps with IR Thermometer

[jandref321]

Gents,

I just bought an IR thermometer to measure some engine bay temps for my DIY intakes. I figured I’d post some temps at different spots for you guys to have and compare. I ran the truck hard then came home, popped the hood and started checking temps. The last couple were of the inside of the intake boots with the engine off. Bear in mind that I do have turbo blankets on and wrapped catless downpipes. Theoretically my engine bay should be cooler than most? All temps in Fahrenheit. Chime in with your temps!

Exterior of driver side intake boot 151 degrees


Exterior of passenger side intake boot 140 degrees


Driver side intercooler 140 degrees


Exterior of heat shield 193 degrees


O2 Sensor Exterior 229 degrees


Vacuum Line above heat shield 240 degrees


Line above the turbos 166 degrees


Circular steel thing that chimes 177 degrees


Driver side intake boot interior with engine off 150 degrees


Passenger side intake boot interior with engine off 147 degrees


Coolant lines with engine off 156 degrees

[socale39]

There are a lot of variables that could impact values such as humidity, outside temp, how the X5 was driven, etc. If anything the accurate way to see if your DIY intakes make any difference would be to keep one side stock and the other side modified, at which point you could do measurements based on same exact conditions.

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by socale39

There are a lot of variables that could impact values such as humidity, outside temp, how the X5 was driven, etc. If anything the accurate way to see if your DIY intakes make any difference would be to keep one side stock and the other side modified, at which point you could do measurements based on same exact conditions.

I was actually looking at the temps because I was concerned about the fiberglass resin not handling the heat. The temps are fine though for normal resin. I posted because I thought it was interesting and I wish I knew what my temps were before I swapped the downpipes, etc.

Not really a way for me to test with both stock and modified since the stock air muffler/intake is all one piece. I'm wasn't too concerned about the specific change in the air temp with the new tubing, but I guess heat soak could be a problem.

Measurement temps still matter though..The outside temp yesterday was 82 degrees with 60 % humidity; I ran the car hard for 16 miles mostly highway.

[Ryan5034]

Just keep in mind that the IR Thermometer takes a spot measurement. Meaning the cone of the spot increases from the distance off the gun.

Some of the spots might be gathering the temperature of more then expected that's all. Usually there's a little chart with the gun. I think mine is 1" of spot for every foot away or something similar.

[socale39]

So just curious now, what is the plan with your diy intake?