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Originally Posted by ADDvanced
Guys, cerakote isn't an insulator.
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There are multiple different formulations marketed under the "cerakote" brand name for different applications. They make no "thermal" claims for many of their finishes - the "ambient cure" stuff, for example, seems to be described as basically a tough, high-temp finish.
They do also make "thermal barrier" products, on the other hand:
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Does Cerakote insulate heat?
Thermal Barriers
Cerakote™ Thermal Barrier products significantly reduce heat transfer of components that operate at elevated temperatures. These coatings are used extensively in the automotive, commercial truck, heavy equipment and performance racing industries.
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Is Cerakote a thermal barrier?
CerakoteTM exhaust coatings are durable, heat-resistant coatings with excellent long-term performance. Additionally, CerakoteTM ceramic exhaust coatings function as thermal barriers for thermally-sensitive applications. Thermal barrier products increase performance, reduce maintenance cost and protect against corrosion.
Cerakote™ Thermal Barrier products can alter heat transfer by up to 15% depending on the specific application.
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I used a thermal barrier coating from the piston crowns, exhaust ports and headers (inside and out) to the turbo flange. Based on advice from someone who knows much more than me - as they build customer cars for a living.
My own anecdotal experience is that oil temps are consistently 10-15F lower at cruise (175-180F versus 185-190F before) - even with somewhat higher ambients. Same sender, same gauge, same FMOC. I no longer see post-boost oil temperature spikes (210-220F) I would have considered entirely normal with CIS and less boost. With boost control to 1.2 bar, or 150% factory setting.
Engine bay temps subjectively seem markedly lower, based on sticking your head under the decklid to top off the oil on a hot day, and IAT/ECU temperature logging seems to bear this out - engine bay is basically ambient as soon as the car is moving for any distance.
More power, lower oil temps. Granted, many other changes with the CIS->Motec conversion, so not a direct comparison - and YMMV. But I'm convinced - and I would do it again.