Just installed a Comptech header on my 01 GSR, and wrapped it with the beige DEI exhaust wrap. I soaked the wrap in water prior to putting it on the header, and proceeded to wrap the header, letting it dry for about a week. After installing the header earlier today with brand new gaskets and bolts, I start up the car. It ran fine, no weird noises or shaking, but after about 2 minutes of the car just IDLING, I notice smoke seeping up out of the hood.
At first I thought it was just exhaust fumes, maybe the bolts weren't tight enough, but after opening the hood, a huge cloud of smoke rose up and the heat wrap looked burnt/turning black.

Is this normal for the exhaust wrap to burn off anything at first, or will it constantly smoke every time I drive? At the moment, I do not want to drive it, as it looks as though it could burn more and possibly catch. Any insight?

 

that is normal, it will turn dark brownish/black. you like the headerwrap so far? What type of header do u have?

 

It should go away after 2 or 3 warm ups. They also sell this spray that you spray the wrap with im not too sure what it does or what its called but it may be to prevent it from burning. You will notice a huge decrease in the temp under the hood.

 

hehe, we use that **** on the cranes i work on and boy on initial start ups it looks like its on fire. but then again you figure its 6 inch piping with a whole roll on the exhaust, about 5 ft. of pipe or so. yeah, smoke is normal. not sure what the temp diff on a car is, but on a crane without it, completely warmed up it runs about 220+/-. with it installed it runs about 190 or so.