Hi,
Sorry if this has been covered. Which works better for both heat reduction and noise reduction? I have LG Headers if that affects fitment (the Kool Mat seems bulky... and is also more expensive).

 

Not sure how much the mat is, but the plate has an additional benefit of stiffening the chassis. Something to consider in whatever the cost difference is.

 

I've heard of others doing both.

 

Good points, both of you. I would definitely want the chassis stiffening benefit -- and if you can run both and get even better noise/heat reduction without any downsides (other than cost) I might go that route.

 

I had Mark at VNM put in the coated backbone. I love that thing! As others have stated, helps the suspension do its work by reducing body twist.

I did a few temp readings in my console glove box and found that the temperature on average is less than before by maybe 5degF. But it's summertime and been pretty hot lately, so how much is environment and how much is heat deflection from the devices? The key benefit is reduced temparature by shielding the tunnel from direct heat radiation caused by the exhaust system running directly under the tunnel!

Consider this...the drive tunnel is open at both ends. The engine, exhaust manifold, road and ambient air temperature all funnel through the tunnel. So, if it's 100degF outside, road temperature is 130degF, the engine coolant temperature is 210degF, and the exhaust is glowing at about 300degF, what temp do you think the temp of the air running through the shift tunnel is going to be? Pretty danged hot!!! Will the coated backbone and/or kool mat help? Probably not as much as you'd like, but it will help shield the direct heat radiation from the exhaust running right next to the backbone/kool mat. And that's the key! Shielding from the exhaust!

My thinking says if you want heat shielding plus the handling performance enhancement, try the coated backbone plate. I have no experience with the kool mat, so I can't give an opinion. If the coated backbone properties are as stated by VNM who makes the part, the coating will provide protection and heat reduction to the tunnel, as I have already experienced. The next big test is in cooler times, when the ambient air temp and high road temp won't be such a factor in my console temp readings.

I love this Form! Hope it helps. Better yet, hope it makes sense.
Have fun...Bill

 

I have a KoolMat & I don't find that it reduces the temp in the console very much if at all. I will be getting the LAPD plate. I will probably keep the KoolMat where it is & bolt the plate underneath it.

 

LAPD installed heat shield/tunnel plate on my Z06 and it's great. Less heat inside and stiffer suspension feel. Glad I did it.

 

KoolMat makes two products, a vulcanized silicone rubber and fiberglass mesh and the Heatmaster Heat Shield. The fabric is glued to the inside cab and reduces heat and noise. I have that in the trunk and on the bulkhead of my Coupe.

I also have the HeatMaster Heat Shield. It is a expanded stainless steel mesh that goes above the tunnel plate. I had that installed last summer along with the LGs.

I had the VnM Backbone installled this summer along with the H/C.

The HeatMaster Heatshield does a lot to reduce the transfer of heat from the headers to cab through the tunnel. The VnM Backbone reduces the transfer of heat through the tunnel and improves performance by stiffening the chasis by minimizing chasis "stretch" in hard cornering.

If you do only one, do a tunnel stiffener with the ceramic coating option. If you can afford to do both, the results will be rewarding. I am planning to install the KoolMat fabric iin the cab below the seats and over the tunnel to further reduce noise and eliminate heat at the sides of the tunnel below the plate level. Best,

mtv