Under hood insulator

[Cooked Rice]

Has anyone actually had paint issues with not running a under hood insulator?

I know the main purpose it serves is for engine noise and many cars and lower trim models don't even come with them.

I ripped mine out today after it started falling apart after washing the engine bay.

[Modelexis]

I've used gold heat foil in the past, works amazing, low weight, low cost.

http://www.modelexis.com/HT/heatfoil/IMG_20160524_110620.jpg

http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20160619170831&SearchText=EPMAN+39%22+x+47%22+SELF+ADHESIVE+REFLECT+A+GOLD

25$ gets you lots of material to do the underhood and whatever else you want to protect.

In my case, the turbocharger bakes the hood paint, I found this out when I removed a clear bra and it pulled off 1'x1' patch of paint.
Most cars don't generate as much heat as my ghetto turbo setup does so it might not be critical for you.

If you want to try a sample of the stuff, I can give you some to test.

[revelations]

If your header isnt close to the hood, I wouldnt worry about it too much.

[HiSpec]

The under hood insulation is hard to clean properly. Most are wrecked after soaked from high pressure washer.

I have read that the insulator is there to dampen/put out an engine fire.

[Darell_n]

I had an 80mm turbo under my hood that cracked the clear coat after I removed the hood liner. A stock-ish engine compartment shouldn't have any problem.

[Cooked Rice]

After some more searching it seems like the only issues is close proximity to exhaust or turbo components. Hot rod guys paint their engine blocks all the time with base coat/2k clear, so automotive paint can definetly handle some heat.

[BokCh0y]

I've been told it is primarily used as a underhood fire blanket essentially, does nothing to dampen the sound.

Don't think it'll make a difference if u don't have one.