As well as being into cars I'm into motorcycles, and on cafe racers exhaust wraps are popular. I was reminded of this while I was in autozone yesterday getting parts for my rx8. Because the rx8 exhaust runs hot, would wrapping the headers help to decrease engine temperatures? I don't know if anyone has asked this I'm mostly just trying to get my 10 posts out of the way.

 

Stock exhaust manifold has a shield built-in.

As for aftermarket headers, I have read that this is not a good idea as the trapped heat will induce extra stress on the metal. If heat is a concern, there are some heat shield that is available.

Also, most stock length short headers don't do much, if anything at all.

 

Good to know, thanks for the help!