Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Pics of my heatshield

in the Utah forum
Thanks Colter!

They're big pics, but let me know what you think. So far, it seems effective. I'll see how hot the MAF adaptor (and filter) get tonight after the drive home. They were HOT last night (before I finished the shield).

I honestly cant say it will help because the Hot Air can still get in, A true heatshield should cover the whole filter. But do keep us updated.

I drove 'er decently hard this evening, and when I pulled into the drive way I checked to see if the filter and MAF adapter were hot. They were not. So far so good. big test tomorrow = drive to CO. I'll let you know.
BTW, I didn't want to surround the whole filter because I feel that would restrict airflow...

I really don't see how that blocks out heat. Maybe it's me.

In this case I do not really think you are doing anything that will create a noticable difference. I do not have a Duratech, but looking at them, it looks impossible to create a heatshield that would not defeat the purpose of an open air element. Zetecs are certainly different.

If I were you I would focus less on trying to slow down the heating of your air filter and more on trying to remove heat from the air filter. But what do I know?

"A true heatshield should cover the whole filter."

Nope, a true heatshield should shield it from heat. If something on one side of the air filter has less heat than the air filter itself, you certainly do not want to shield the filter from heat.

I agree, it's hard. Hence my minimalist type approach...

How would I go about doing that? I agree, that'd be sweet, but how?

I don't agree with this (it's from Kevin)

Agreed.
The idea behing my design is this: Help block and/or minimalize the heat rising off my tranny when the car is stopped or at low speeds. That's when heat soak is the most apparent. The amount of heat that reaches the filter at cruising speeds is virtually impossible to stop, unless I cover the entire filter...negating the open element.
Dunno...I'm taking a long trip today, so I'll see how it does.
I'll report back.

I agree that heat soak is mostly a city driving/pulling from stopped problem.

I see lot's of people using plexiglass on other cars. It's clear, insulative, tough, and fairly easy to work with.

What if you painted the underside of it with some kind of reflective paint? Might stop even more of the radiant heat.

Might also consider some sort of flexible edging on it, that might conform to some of the irregularities and cut down more of the flow from underneath.

Just tossing ideas out.

Roger - I put some rubber hosing around all the edges. It looks better and seats/settles better in the engine bay.

I think it will help. In my estimation from checking underhood temps at various locations, I think the heat is worst fom below (radiator fan wash) and toward the engine side. Derek shielded both of these and left the cooler side open (best "cool" airflow is comming from above radiator & over the fusebox to the foward side of the KKM).

i made mine out of diamondplate aluminum. it looks awsome (sorry no pics) does it help, dont know. does it work, dont know. do i care, no.
i just like the way it looks it was well worth my time to make it even if it doesnt keep the heat back. when people see it n say "wow" i like that, say "thanks"