"Actual" Tunnel Plate Temperature Data!
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
"Actual" Tunnel Plate Temperature Data!
I know what everyone is thinking, Oh NO not another discussion about tunnel plates! 
However, we have received tons of calls asking how the Tunnel Reinforcement Plate improves or affects interior console heat. More specifically how does the “coated plate” compare to the “uncoated plate” and the “Stock OEM plate”. There has been so much talk that we decided to put each plate to the test. Each plate was installed on a C5 and tested in a temperature-controlled environment. All thermocouples were calibrated prior to testing and remained in position and untouched from test to test.
Here are our findings:
As expected, the coated 0.134” thick stainless steel version showed the most reduction in interior console temperatures compared to the Stock OEM plate. Our test showed an improvement of over 33 degrees.
Second in improvement was the coated 1/4” thick Aluminum version. Although not as significant as the coated stainless steel, it is much better than stock. Over 23 degrees better than the Stock OEM plate.
Third on our list was the uncoated 0.134” thick stainless steel version. We were a little surprised to see how well the stainless steel version preformed even without any type of coating.
Click here to see Actual Test Data
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature2.html
A better description of the test with pictures can be found on our website at:
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature.html
Keep in mind; this is NOT a comparison between vendor’s tunnel plates. I do not want to start another debate. This testing was done to give our customers some empirical data on how the plates compare.
Jeff
However, we have received tons of calls asking how the Tunnel Reinforcement Plate improves or affects interior console heat. More specifically how does the “coated plate” compare to the “uncoated plate” and the “Stock OEM plate”. There has been so much talk that we decided to put each plate to the test. Each plate was installed on a C5 and tested in a temperature-controlled environment. All thermocouples were calibrated prior to testing and remained in position and untouched from test to test.
Here are our findings:
As expected, the coated 0.134” thick stainless steel version showed the most reduction in interior console temperatures compared to the Stock OEM plate. Our test showed an improvement of over 33 degrees.
Second in improvement was the coated 1/4” thick Aluminum version. Although not as significant as the coated stainless steel, it is much better than stock. Over 23 degrees better than the Stock OEM plate.
Third on our list was the uncoated 0.134” thick stainless steel version. We were a little surprised to see how well the stainless steel version preformed even without any type of coating.
Click here to see Actual Test Data
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature2.html
A better description of the test with pictures can be found on our website at:
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature.html
Keep in mind; this is NOT a comparison between vendor’s tunnel plates. I do not want to start another debate. This testing was done to give our customers some empirical data on how the plates compare.
Jeff
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: Fontana CA
Originally Posted by Elite Engineering
I know what everyone is thinking, Oh NO not another discussion about tunnel plates!
However, we have received tons of calls asking how the Tunnel Reinforcement Plate improves or affects interior console heat. More specifically how does the “coated plate” compare to the “uncoated plate” and the “Stock OEM plate”. There has been so much talk that we decided to put each plate to the test. Each plate was installed on a C5 and tested in a temperature-controlled environment. All thermocouples were calibrated prior to testing and remained in position and untouched from test to test.
Here are our findings:
As expected, the coated 0.134” thick stainless steel version showed the most reduction in interior console temperatures compared to the Stock OEM plate. Our test showed an improvement of over 33 degrees.
Second in improvement was the coated 1/4” thick Aluminum version. Although not as significant as the coated stainless steel, it is much better than stock. Over 23 degrees better than the Stock OEM plate.
Third on our list was the uncoated 0.134” thick stainless steel version. We were a little surprised to see how well the stainless steel version preformed even without any type of coating.
Click here to see Actual Test Data
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature2.html
A better description of the test with pictures can be found on our website at:
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature.html
Keep in mind; this is NOT a comparison between vendor’s tunnel plates. I do not want to start another debate. This testing was done to give our customers some empirical data on how the plates compare.
Jeff
However, we have received tons of calls asking how the Tunnel Reinforcement Plate improves or affects interior console heat. More specifically how does the “coated plate” compare to the “uncoated plate” and the “Stock OEM plate”. There has been so much talk that we decided to put each plate to the test. Each plate was installed on a C5 and tested in a temperature-controlled environment. All thermocouples were calibrated prior to testing and remained in position and untouched from test to test.
Here are our findings:
As expected, the coated 0.134” thick stainless steel version showed the most reduction in interior console temperatures compared to the Stock OEM plate. Our test showed an improvement of over 33 degrees.
Second in improvement was the coated 1/4” thick Aluminum version. Although not as significant as the coated stainless steel, it is much better than stock. Over 23 degrees better than the Stock OEM plate.
Third on our list was the uncoated 0.134” thick stainless steel version. We were a little surprised to see how well the stainless steel version preformed even without any type of coating.
Click here to see Actual Test Data
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature2.html
A better description of the test with pictures can be found on our website at:
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/temperature.html
Keep in mind; this is NOT a comparison between vendor’s tunnel plates. I do not want to start another debate. This testing was done to give our customers some empirical data on how the plates compare.
Jeff
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 0
From: Central TX
if gears arrive this weekend, mine will be installed finally
i used some thin self-adhesive heat insulation from Lowes for about $14. 1/8 foam with silver aluminum sheet on outside. I placed on both sides of the plate. I will see if it helps keep some more heat off the plate, thus keeping the tunnel cooler (i live in TX ya know)
i used some thin self-adhesive heat insulation from Lowes for about $14. 1/8 foam with silver aluminum sheet on outside. I placed on both sides of the plate. I will see if it helps keep some more heat off the plate, thus keeping the tunnel cooler (i live in TX ya know)
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by jfrc
if gears arrive this weekend, mine will be installed finally
i used some thin self-adhesive heat insulation from Lowes for about $14. 1/8 foam with silver aluminum sheet on outside. I placed on both sides of the plate. I will see if it helps keep some more heat off the plate, thus keeping the tunnel cooler (i live in TX ya know)
i used some thin self-adhesive heat insulation from Lowes for about $14. 1/8 foam with silver aluminum sheet on outside. I placed on both sides of the plate. I will see if it helps keep some more heat off the plate, thus keeping the tunnel cooler (i live in TX ya know)
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 260
Likes: 4
From: TX
Two thumbs way up for this mod!!!
I recently purchased the 1/4" non insulated aluminum plate from Elite simply for their pricing.I put a spin on the standard tunnel swap by coating the top side of the stock plate with a spray on insulation.I then bolted the two up together with the new abs plate on top.While it didn't look as cool as the abs alone, I thought this would add even more strength and thermal resistance to an already great improvement thats affordable and offers immediate results.The nice C5 cut is still visable.(shame to waste that detail entirely)This install was easy and the results are extrodinary.NO tunnel heat and a noticably better handling car !! I have to mention Jeff and his wife at Elite were very helpful and a pleasure to deal with thru the purchase and quick shipping.Do you miss Texas Jeff?I'm movin up to colorado to escape the summers like you smart people 
Ps. for the above post .using the foam install from home improvement store might be dangerous.Check the igniton temp on that stuff!!Or use a spray on coating to be safe!!Just a friendly suggestion.
I have to mention Jeff and his wife at Elite were very helpful and a pleasure to deal with thru the purchase and quick shipping.Do you miss Texas Jeff?I'm movin up to colorado to escape the summers like you smart people Ps. for the above post .using the foam install from home improvement store might be dangerous.Check the igniton temp on that stuff!!Or use a spray on coating to be safe!!Just a friendly suggestion.
Last edited by texasfireman; Nov 3, 2004 at 06:51 PM.
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Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
That adhesive on the bottom side is going to get a real test being that close to that much header heat, not to mention the elements (dirt, water, etc). Hope it holds up. Let us know what happens.
The hotest temperature I measured was about 275F directly in between the two Cats. Let me know how that adhesive stands up
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
Originally Posted by texasfireman
I recently purchased the 1/4" non insulated aluminum plate from Elite simply for their pricing.I put a spin on the standard tunnel swap by coating the top side of the stock plate with a spray on insulation.I then bolted the two up together with the new abs plate on top.While it didn't look as cool as the abs alone, I thought this would add even more strength and thermal resistance to an already great improvement thats affordable and offers immediate results.The nice C5 cut is still visable.(shame to waste that detail entirely)This install was easy and the results are extrodinary.NO tunnel heat and a noticably better handling car !! I have to mention Jeff and his wife at Elite were very helpful and a pleasure to deal with thru the purchase and quick shipping.Do you miss Texas Jeff?I'm movin up to colorado to escape the summers like you smart people
Ps. for the above post .using the foam install from home improvement store might be dangerous.Check the igniton temp on that stuff!!Or use a spray on coating to be safe!!Just a friendly suggestion.
I have to mention Jeff and his wife at Elite were very helpful and a pleasure to deal with thru the purchase and quick shipping.Do you miss Texas Jeff?I'm movin up to colorado to escape the summers like you smart people Ps. for the above post .using the foam install from home improvement store might be dangerous.Check the igniton temp on that stuff!!Or use a spray on coating to be safe!!Just a friendly suggestion.
Thanks for the nice comments. My wife is terrific and helps out whenever we get overloaded by calls. If you don't get someone in the office, her phone will ring.
Do I miss Texas???????????.........well I miss my family in Dallas, but I don't miss the heat.
Thanks again,
Jeff
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
Originally Posted by George V
I am surprised to see that the uncoated AL has a higher consol temperature than the stock? I would have expected the same or less, but then again AL is excellent for heat transfer
From what we found the aluminum took a little longer to heat up, but once it did, it retained the heat.
Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
LG had mentioned in a post some time back about problems with the rubber in the driveshaft assembly within the torque tube. I wonder what the effect, if any, the reduced temperature would have on the longevity of these parts?
