I have the AEM CAI system on my 08 R56. I just turned 52K and noticed a light oil drip from the turbo lines. I removed the heat shield and saw the oil on the lines. I ordered the Detroit Tuned super kit which I plan to install this weekend. I left the AEM heat shield OFF and now after reading this I may not re-install it. However I don't want to melt my AEM duct. I do have the JCW carbon fiber scoop. Should I Wrap the turbo or just leave it open?

 

It won't melt. At least I never noticed any signs of melting or deformation. You should still be fine.

 

I ran all summer without the AEM heatshield and my air inlet duct is perfect no deformation at all.

 

I had the same problem yesterday, but just found this topic today. My valves cover get melted.

Next sted is to take out the aem heat shild, but than the turbo is going to melt my AEM scoop inducer?

 

If you have the stock heatsheids on it won't. I ran without it for 10s of thousands of miles after mine melted, you won't have any issues. I look at those aftermarket shields and all it is really, to me, is cosmetics.

 

Thanks a lot... Look for my car now. I'm very disapointed.

 

Yup. Pretty much what I went through. ~$400 will fix all that. It's very unfortunate.

 

I use this tape that I use on my race bikes. This tape has a deflective rating of over 400 degrees; Mishimoto sells a similar tape. IMO best thing for the turbo is the bag shields and a ceramic down tube. That'll lower temps. I've had no issue with mine. I wish the plugs that hold the hood plenum in place were more robust, secure. Has anyone used anything else?

 

I used to have the M7 Aerogel turbo heat shield. I removed that and threw it away as all it does is radiate the heat back towards the turbo but at the same time at anything plastic (valve cover) in the path. In its place, I wrapped my downpipe with Cobra Skin along with adding Way's turbo hotside wrap This really cuts down on the radiant heat that the hood absorbs compared to the previous M7 heatshield.

I took my car on a drive last week and when I stopped to get some gas after two hours non-stop driving with temps in the low 90s, my hood was cool to the touch. Before, it would have been hard to hold my hand much longer than a few seconds.








I also added some additional heatshielding to the underside of my hood.

 

A bit late to the party here, but I had heard of some people indeed having issues melting the AEM duct. I covered mine with the Reflect-A-Gold tape and it has appeared fine. I will be purchasing the turbo blanket and removing the AEM heat shield here any day.

I was TERRIFIED yesterday as the temperatures were rather hot and I was screwing with my 2010 clubman S’s features with BimmerCode and my OBDII MX+ when I accidentally shut the driver’s door with the car running. It locked the doors!!

So now for an hour plus, the car is running…idling…on a hot day, with a heat shield installed that’s known for melting things. I almost just punched out the window and had insurance replace the window (would have cost $100) instead of waiting almost 2 hours for AAA. After calling AAA back and telling them I was “not in a safe place” I ended up with a guy there to unlock the car within the hour. Luckily, no melting of the valve cover. Won’t be making that mistake again.

 

Hi,

I bought a used AEM intake for my mini JCW (N14 engine). I do not have the heat shield. Can we mount the AEM without the heat shield? It is not likely to melt?

 

Hello,

No one has an opinion?

 

It wont melt instantly anyway, just pop the hood and look at it once in a while if you notice you’ve been pushing the car or its hotter than usual outside. Mine had a tear drop or two form from the plastic. I covered it in a metallic silver spray and it has been fine ever since.

 

I know this is from 2008, but do you mean you put a turbo blanket on? I was considering purchasing the Forge one, but info on is really slim and not sure if any good or even necessary. (trying to keep air as cold as possible for the intake). Thanks, Kc

 

If you are REALLY serious about reducing exhaust heat, look into getting the manifold, turbine housing, and down pipe coated by Swain with their "White Lightning" coating:
https://swaintech.com/race-coatings/...aust-coatings/

 

I've had a WMW turbo blanket on mine since Way first came out with one. It retains the heat and keeps the oil line bango bolt from leaking. Not one problem in all these years.

 

And over the coat you can adjust some wrap textile like FunkMotorsports and thats the best you can do.
I have Zircotec on my downpipe and with my new turbo after the summer i will Zircotec my turbo + exhaust manifold and then wrap them all with textile. Its going to be huge difference.

 

if you install your oil feed line around the front instead of between the turbo case halves you will have a lot less problems. Get a custom made oil feed line approximately 6" longer than the aftermarket flexible lines being offered and reroute it under and around to the front side of the turbo, less heat soak. I have had my aftermarket turbo line completely melt and almost start a fire at a track day.

 

I read the information on the product. Is it expensive to do? KC

 

A few years ago, I had them quote me a header for my Protege. I think it cam to $250 or so. I think the price is not expensive considering the alternates like JetHot, or something like that. I think JetHot cost is similar, but the Swaintech coating is MUCH better.

The only down side to the Swaintech coating is it only comes in white. But, if you car more about performance than looks, its the way to go.