Heatshield Products
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From: Corrales New Mexico
Heatshield Products
I'm turning to Forum readers for their input on the (2) products I came across in a recent issue of Vette Magazine. One article I came across was a write up on a heat shield for LS intake manifolds and was wondering if any forum readers have input on such a product.
In theory it sounds as it would be beneficial seeing it hinders heatsoak to the intake manifold the only doubts I have is the cost is relatively inexpensive (price quoted in article is $55.00) yet the claim to the increase in power is said to be 18 HP and 20 TQ in an LS 1 but we all know increases are commonly exaggerated.
The other article in the same issue is regarding Hookers relatively new Blackheart axle back system (with no mention of price) which I know several forum readers have asked about and as with the review of the above mentioned mod the Blackheart received a gain of 11 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque which isn't earth shattering but reasonable so I was wondering if any readers have fact based input on these products.
In theory it sounds as it would be beneficial seeing it hinders heatsoak to the intake manifold the only doubts I have is the cost is relatively inexpensive (price quoted in article is $55.00) yet the claim to the increase in power is said to be 18 HP and 20 TQ in an LS 1 but we all know increases are commonly exaggerated.
The other article in the same issue is regarding Hookers relatively new Blackheart axle back system (with no mention of price) which I know several forum readers have asked about and as with the review of the above mentioned mod the Blackheart received a gain of 11 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque which isn't earth shattering but reasonable so I was wondering if any readers have fact based input on these products.
Safety Car
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From: Opelika Alabama
the reason they make the LS manifolds out of{for lack of a better word} plastic is to help stop heat soak, how does this device do it? little sheet metal wings that go between the heads and manifold? haven't heard of ether of these.
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From: Corrales New Mexico
Your reply is appreciated and like you I thought the composite material used on the intake manifold would not be one to absorb heat but as shown in the article by the use of a heat gun the temperature of the intake after a base line run was 145.7 and even after a half hour of removing it the temp was at 136.2 still relatively warm. They then installed the thermal barrier to the underside of the manifold then proceeded to do another run the same as prior to the installation of the barrier and the heat gun now read 102.7 a drop of 43 degrees. They then did a follow up dyno run which reflected a gain of 18 HP and 20 lb.ft.torque. If this is valid a gain like that for about $55.00 is a worth while investment.
Additional thoughts and input are appreciated.
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From: Opelika Alabama
CMY SIX
Your reply is appreciated and like you I thought the composite material used on the intake manifold would not be one to absorb heat but as shown in the article by the use of a heat gun the temperature of the intake after a base line run was 145.7 and even after a half hour of removing it the temp was at 136.2 still relatively warm. They then installed the thermal barrier to the underside of the manifold then proceeded to do another run the same as prior to the installation of the barrier and the heat gun now read 102.7 a drop of 43 degrees. They then did a follow up dyno run which reflected a gain of 18 HP and 20 lb.ft.torque. If this is valid a gain like that for about $55.00 is a worth while investment.
Additional thoughts and input are appreciated.
Your reply is appreciated and like you I thought the composite material used on the intake manifold would not be one to absorb heat but as shown in the article by the use of a heat gun the temperature of the intake after a base line run was 145.7 and even after a half hour of removing it the temp was at 136.2 still relatively warm. They then installed the thermal barrier to the underside of the manifold then proceeded to do another run the same as prior to the installation of the barrier and the heat gun now read 102.7 a drop of 43 degrees. They then did a follow up dyno run which reflected a gain of 18 HP and 20 lb.ft.torque. If this is valid a gain like that for about $55.00 is a worth while investment.
Additional thoughts and input are appreciated.
I would have to agree with you on that one for $55.00 even if you only got a 9 HP bump. now you still have to remove the manifold right? but new gaskets and I'd like to open the vacuum tap on the back of the manifold so this would be worth it, what is the name of this thing and can you buy it?
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From: Stanley Virginia
I thought it was because plastic was cheaper than metal. Stupid me.
Melting Slicks
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From: Bossier City Louisiana
I am in the process of replacing my LS2 intake manifold with a ported fast 102. I recently read the article myself and decided that it was worth a try for $62.99 delivered since I was already doing the swap. My view is that it's sort of like a catch can. It will not gain any hp but when the car is hot, it will help from losing any. I'll report back when my swap is done
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From: Corrales New Mexico
I would have to agree with you on that one for $55.00 even if you only got a 9 HP bump. now you still have to remove the manifold right? but new gaskets and I'd like to open the vacuum tap on the back of the manifold so this would be worth it, what is the name of this thing and can you buy it?
The article said the heat shield is available through Summit racing and is manufactured by Heatshield Products {www.heatshieldproducts.com}.Not sure what motor you have but the article noted PN 140020 fits LS1/LS2/LS6 with specific PN for LS3/LS7 which I'm sure you can find by visiting their website. You may want to see if you can access the September issue of Vette on line their website is vetteweb.com.
For anyone that has installed one I'd be curious as to improvements if any.
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From: Corrales New Mexico
I also came across another post regarding the manifold shield so for those that are interested see a post fro yesterday at 8:41 from HOTVETTE07 Intake Insulation Under Manifold
Last edited by NMMike2012GS; Jun 26, 2016 at 04:59 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
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From: Opelika Alabama
steel is cheap, composite materials are expensive ever hear of carbon fiber? did you think the manifold is just made out of ABS? you make it hard to disagree with you.
Last edited by CMY SIX; Jun 29, 2016 at 12:03 PM.