Conductive heat transfer is of little concern in automotive applications. Many if not most aftermarket intakes used polished metal because it makes a great heat deflector. You are trying to deflect heat, not insulate the filter. I am using reflectux around the plastic filter housing. it deflects 95% of the heat according to the manu. get it at home depot. people have also used to line firewalls, under carpets in interiors etc. The heat shield on the manifold and under the car (on the floor under the exhaust) are made of metal...take what you want from that.
anyway, like others said...the arguement goes on...
