Thinking about buying some exhaust heat shields for my GT. They look really good. The seller says he cleaned them up and painted them. I doubt these were painted when new and I'm skeptical about the effect of under the hood temperature extremes on the paint. Especially on the one next to the EGR / distributor. When I asked him if he used some kind of high temp paint he said he had no idea what the temp rating is on the paint. I'm thinking this stuff is going to smoke, melt or burn. Any input?
------------------ John Wayne as John Bernard Books in The Shootist... " I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
My rides... 1988 GT with a 3.4L V6 automatic 2006 Harley Sportster 'cause I love the twisties on two wheels or four.
There supposed to deflect some of the highest engine bay temps away from components. Id seriously doubt they would take much heat painted. Maybe if it was a high temp paint or ceramic coated it might. Id strip the paint and do some sanding on them to get a nice finish. If you want some bling, have them chromed. I painted my header pipes with the same paint used in jet afterburners and it was toast in a few weeks. Even chromed, it could turn blue at hot spots.
I have some non-painted ones if you want to save yourself some hassle
*shipping would probably be a pain with the size all the way to Cali...*
I guessing the longest one is not more than a couple of feet long. Depending on the price I might be OK with that.
But... these would be going on an '88 GT which was swapped to a 3.4L a few years ago. I'm not sure how many sections were re-installed or left out. I know the one protecting the coil is not present since the coil was relocated to the trunk. The section I am most concerned about currently lacks the heavy insulating sleeve that was used on the original '88's. This would be the long exhaust section that is routed below the EGR. distributor, ICM, and throttle body. Currently, on my GT, this area is shielded by a flat metal shield that partially extends over that area. I have no idea if this is an OEM piece, one from a prior year or just home-made (see pic), but this one is my main concern. The main piece I am considering is a curved and formed metal two-piece arrangement that fits in that area. I assume this was from prior year models and I am guessing they would still bolt into place(?). I also learned recently that the spark plug boots originally came with metal "socket-like" shields that fit over the boots. I know there are others and I am pretty sure the one that fits over the alternator is missing as well. I wonder how important these boot shields are since I doubt many have survived the years and the periodic replacement of the spark plug wires.
Anyway... my desire to replace and/or install the missing pieces is driven primarily by the fact that I had to replace the ICM very recently and am fairly convinced that it's failure was due at least in part to high engine bay heat. So that, and the fact that the PO felt it necessary to relocate the coil at some point, has me investigating this topic.
The pic below is the style of heat shield I am talking about. But not the one that has been painted.
[This message has been edited by Rsvl-Rider (edited 07-31-2014).]
I would wrap the crossover with DEI Titanium header wrap. It would look good and do a lot to cut down on the heat. The heat shields look to be non OEM.
Edit to add
We have had good results with VHT aluminum and VHT clear on the heat shields.
[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 07-31-2014).]
I would wrap the crossover with DEI Titanium header wrap. It would look good and do a lot to cut down on the heat. The heat shields look to be non OEM.
Edit to add
We have had good results with VHT aluminum and VHT clear on the heat shields.
I would wrap the crossover with DEI Titanium header wrap. It would look good and do a lot to cut down on the heat. The heat shields look to be non OEM.
Edit to add
We have had good results with VHT aluminum and VHT clear on the heat shields.
I use VHT on my full 4.9 exhaust. It's held up well and has a nice colour once baked.
I use VHT on my full 4.9 exhaust. It's held up well and has a nice colour once baked.
So the VHT is essentially spray paint?
Sounds good but I'm assuming the exhaust pieces to be painted need to be removed and super clean prior to application. If so, I'll probably go with the wrap or the shields. Removal would be a lot more work than I am looking for right now.
[This message has been edited by Rsvl-Rider (edited 07-31-2014).]
