[mjshira]

I can only offer what I've done as an option to consider. I run HeetSheets and that kills a lot of heat from exhaust to engine head transfer. When I had a cat it was wrapped in heat tape (the stuff you put on headers or exhause manifolds) but eventually I elected to ditch the stock system for aftermarket headers. These I had ceramic coated. This process made a moderate improvement in heat reduction.

As has been said, if you are moving and air can pass over the engine, then 9/10 times you'll be ok anyway. Given where you live it rains (and rains and rains and rains) you'll probably not need to to anything.

Hope this helps! good luck

oh and BTW, my folks live in the Seattle area also, this is why I know from experience about the rain there ;-)