Vintage Auto Parts: Tips for Restorers and Repairers

Tips for Choosing a Turbo Heat Shield for Your Car

4 January 2018

Malena Capel

Turbo accessories can help you boost the performance of your vehicle in a number of different ways. If you've already put in a new manifold, you may want to add a turbo heat shield to it. This basically covers the manifold, prevents it from losing heat and helps it to be more powerful. When choosing your heat shield, keep the following tips in mind.

Make Sure the Heat Shield Is Compatible

To ensure the heat shield will fit over your engine's components, you need to make sure that it's compatible with the parts you have. In some cases, you can get heat shields that are universal. That makes it easier to find what you need.

Look for Wide Temperature Ranges

When looking at heat shields, make sure you choose one that works in a wide variety of temperatures. In most cases, manufacturers give you four temps. The first set of temps is for the exterior of the car and the second set is for the interior. The first refers to the outside air temperatures and the latter refers to the temperatures under your bonnet.

In those two categories, there are generally two temps. One is the most extreme temperature the heat shield can withstand brief exposure to, and the other is the temperature that the heat shield can withstand constant exposure to. Ideally, you want to make sure that these temperatures give you the range you need based on your climate and how hot your engine runs.

Opt for Wool Insulation Turbo heat shields can be made of a variety of different materials. Generally, there is an outer material that ensures the insulating material doesn't come into contact with the rest of the engine, and this is often fiberglass. Then, there is an interior layer that actually does the insulating. To get the best results, you should look for a heat shield that features wool.

Look for Easy Installation

To make the process as easy as possible, consider looking for a heat shield that is easy to install. The easiest design usually has a u-shape, and you simply slip it over the manifold. Many manufacturers of these types of turbo accessoires have the installation instructions online so you can look at the complexity before you order. .

Insist on a Warranty

Finally, make sure that you choose a turbo heat shield that comes with a warranty. Ideally, you want a one year warranty. That way, if there are any manufacturer defects, you can return your heat shield for a refund.

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