Here at SEMA 2016, we stopped to see what was new in the Heatshield Products thermal-barrier family. We were introduced to two products that provide “budget friendly horsepower” through lower temps of oil and air. The Lava Oil Filter Shield and the Intake Manifold Shield deflect and dissipate heat, resulting in cool operating temperatures, that significantly increase power.
According to Heatshield Spokesman, Patrick Hill, “The Lava Oil Filter Shield creates a thermal barrier around the oil filter to deflect up to 80 percent of the ambient heat. It also provides a layer of protection for the oil filter against road debris.”
The cover also has a magnetic layer that aids the oil filter in trapping metal flakes from recirculating in the engine oil. Tests of the filter cover proved lower temperatures of up to twenty degrees Fahrenheit. The Filter Shield also acts as a safeguard against road debris that could pierce the filter, resulting in catastrophic failures.
One of the smartest new products is the I-M Shield, a thermal barrier for the underside of the intake manifold. The I-M Shield deflects heat that comes from the top of the engine by adhering to the bottom of the intake manifold. It prevents heat transferred to the air running through the intake while the engine is running. Cooler air then goes to the combustion chamber, which means more density, or more air, which in turn, results in a more powerful explosion — resulting in greater horsepower gains. The installation is simple and the product is less than $60 for LS-Type engines.
Cooler engines mean more horsepower and speed. Heatshield Products give enthusiasts on a budget a healthy helping.