car hood insulation - radiant barrier reflective foil

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by walter Lee, Nov 18, 2011.

  1. walter Lee

    walter Lee Hypermiling Padawan

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    Has anyone experimented with adding additional insulation under the Prius' hood? More specifically, has anyone installed any kind of Radiant Barrier Reflective Foil insulation (with the primary objective to speed up the warm up cycle and keep the gasoline engine warm during the winter ) underneath the Prius' car hood like the ones sold by koolmat[1] or Amazon[2] or Ebay[3]?


    [1] Motor Armor Foil Insulation

    [2] http://www.amazon.com/HEAT-SOUND-Shield-INSULATION-BLANKET/dp/B001AX87A6

    [3] ARMA FOIL Radiant Barrier Reflective Insulation, 500sf | eBay
     
    #1 walter Lee, Nov 18, 2011
  2. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    #2 Rokeby, Nov 18, 2011
    MrHJ5 likes this.
  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    The nice thing with the prius (gIII) is you wouldn't have to worry about as many moving parts (e.g. belts).
     
    #3 spiderman, Nov 18, 2011
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I did at one time, It may help the ICE stay a bit warmer during long glides and ICE off periods, but honestly since removing mine (it fell off where I had it stapled on the underside of the hood), I can't tell any measureable difference.
     
    #4 efusco, Nov 18, 2011
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