Heat Shields: Any Power Gain?

**88mazdamx6tbogt** · 4-5-06, 7:07

Okay, so I have been adding to my 6, and replacing old hoses, gaskets, and so on. I just ordered up the 3 heatshields for the exhaust manifold and the turbo. I currently do not have the middle and lower shields, just the old manifold shield. They are expensive, the upper was 96, the lower was 85, and the middle was 20. I am trying to reduce heat in the engine bay, and was wondering if you all think they may add to the car's power by keeping things cooler. I do have a cone filter with a heat shield and custom made pipe going to the front of the car for cold air, but I know there is still heat seepage. Also, thinking about the effects of the heat on the components and air pipes, like the one going from the intercooler to the IM. Also heard that by keeping the heat insulated, it stays hotter, so it accelerates out quicker, allowing increased exhaust. Just wondering what you all think.

10WER · 4-5-06, 8:11

it might not be a great deal noticable, but it could make a slight improvement, all it does it prevents air comming back into the engine bay and possibly the intake system, cause after all, lower intake temps = high horse power potential

**STW** · 4-5-06, 8:25

Hotter the exhaust gas is, more energized it is. Thus if you'll insulate the exhaust manifold, you'll have a bit more energized gas into turbine and quicker spooling. The exhaust gas will leave the pipe more quickly too.

**88mazdamx6tbogt** · 4-5-06, 8:29

thanks guys, you both have karma. yeah, so far it sounds like it may have been worth the 200 bucks i spent on them....

oh you both have karma too

**n2o_matt** · 4-5-06, 9:51

personaly i would have hit up the junkyard before going to a dealer. I'd make my own before spending $200 for 1/2 a hp.

but hey it'll save your spark plug wires

**88mazdamx6tbogt** · 4-5-06, 12:11

Yes, but around here, there are no mx6s in the yards (i called 7) and that was not much of an issue to me. I want them all new, looking good, as I may paint them with ceramic black to further increase the heat block. also, they will look nicer.

sokarul · 4-5-06, 14:59

You can sand and paint them to look good. Mine look real good after I painted them. I baked them in the oven so they show no sign of color change. Either way I just dont see why people would go without them. They should also save your hoods paint.

**STW** · 4-5-06, 16:23

To really make a difference, wrap the header with thermotec, it'll look pretty awful without heat shields but works really great. A roll of 2"x15' tape costs about $12-$15

**88mazdamx6tbogt** · 4-6-06, 6:47

i dont have a header, just the manifold, is that what you mean? thermo-tec is that stuff that looks like a thick strap, right? you wet it, and then apply it? i have a roll of that stuff which i used on the downpipe and front of the exhaust (b4 the cat). you think it could hold up to the manifold temps tho? its not, like, a hard piece, so I fear they will catch fire!!

hey, that sounds cool how you painted them, didyou use a regular house oven? what temp did you bake it at? would the paint chemicals/smell remain in the oven? again, i dont know if you used a regular house oven, so feel free to flame if you used a paint oven or something. i used some VHT red previously and even it cooked, turned all black and crusty after a while, which is partly why I am replacing the upper. The can said it would take 1200 to 2000 degrees, and it still cooked. does baking help that? I might go with black this time, so that if it does cook again, you wont really see it.

**STW** · 4-6-06, 9:26

Ahh yes, manifold... my bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88mazdamx6tbogt

you think it could hold up to the manifold temps tho? its not, like, a hard piece, so I fear they will catch fire!!

According to the manufacturer, the material withstands continuous temperature of 1100 celsius (2000 fahrenheit). It won't catch fire

**Mr.JasonBH** · 4-6-06, 20:32

put a sticker on the manifold for 10 more HP

**88mazdamx6tbogt** · 4-12-06, 8:51

Well, I got them finally after some shipping errors, but they gave me 20 percent off. I painted them with the VHT Flameproof, aluminum. Keeping them basically the same color, but keeping them from rusting/showing the heat scoring (I hope) I baked them according to the directions and they will go on tonight. Will see how the paint holds up and if there is any overall differences.

sokarul · 4-12-06, 12:21

My panted ones held up nice after baking. I messed them up more then the heat did.

**88mazdamx6tbogt** · 4-12-06, 23:07

got them on tonight, will see if any power diffs tomorrow. baked on aluminum. looks nice iwth the nine-ninety additional cover all shiny.

**Mazda Carnage** · 4-13-06, 0:48

For furthur heat shielding look up DEI and Thermo-tec for turbo wraps, spays and charge pipe wraps.
For cheap insulation, you can use stove pipe insulation, its a foam roal with metal insulation on one side and sticky on the other. its prefect for intake/ charge pipes as well as isolating the air intake or wraping the impeller housing.
P.S. you can wrap the intake mani... in thermowrap and still use your heat shield: