I am purchasing a new Turbo, mani and downpipe and having them all ceramic coated before I install them. Looking for some input/feedback from people that cermic coated their exhaust mani, turbo houseing and down pipe. Did you remove the OEM heat shields? I understand the ceramic coating will reduce the heat by 30% or so. Does the heat shield provide more or less heat reduction? Not sure I should keep them off or not. The engine bay would be a lot cleaner looking...Not to mention, ease of NOT having to install them.

Thanks

Chris

 

I've seen both done. You should be able to run without the shields if all of those are coated.

 

I think I will try it. I'm going to test it with Infrared Thermometer. Get a thermal reading with OEM heat shields installed then after the ceramic coated (non heat shield) bits are installed.

 

since these cars heat soak the oil in the turbo/lines I prefer to not make the problem worse by trapping more heat.

I use a factory heat shield and then added some self sticky heat shield in front of that and the temps dropped from ~ 165 to ~130 on the hood after sitting 15 mins.

 

Obviously the shield will provide an additional thermal barrier, but if it's not preventing something from hitting it you could likely remove it.

 

If the heat shields are "shiny / reflective" your temp number will be off significantly........ Usually anywhere from 50F-100F.

 

Yes, thats my thought. If the Thermal qualities of the coating are almost equal or greater than the heat shield, I just assume remove it.

Yes, typically turbo cars with oil fed bearing journals have no choice but to be heated. I will also be wrapping the feed and return lines for some extra protection.

That heat is also a benefit to creating more velocity and sending the exhaust quicker out the tail pipe.

Good point. How do you suggest I take my readings with the heat shield on? Maybe point the gauge at an area that will be unchanged such as the feed line area of the turbo housing? I will poke around for a good location.

 

You have two issues with it. The reflectivity is the biggest issue. Also, heat shields tend to be fairly thin in comparison to the manifold they are attached to so it is likely dissipating heat a bit faster than the manifold or turbo as well. I don't recall what you were comparing but either way, take your measurement from a dull surface / dark or painted surface nearest your heat source. That will be closest to the actual temp.

An IR temp gun needs to be calibrated specifically for a "bright surface" if that's what you're actually trying to measure.

 

Maybe a better approach would be to use a probe as opposed to an infrared thermostat.

 

Have no issues running turbo w/o heatshields.

 

OK Thanks. I take it you have the ceramic coating as well?

Edit - just saw your build. Yes, you do have ceramic coating. Great! I am going for the same set-up. K03 45mm turbo and mani. Next week!

 

My Dp and stock shield are both ceramic coated and it works pretty well. I regret not getting the turbo ceramic coated also. If you decide to not run a shield I would try to figure something out to protect the valve cover and the radiator fan, since they are both plastic. Let us know how it works out.

 

I will keep an eye on those areas. Thanks

Just received my new turbo and mani today. Ceramic coated inside and out. I also had my Akrapovic DP coated on the outside. Didn't want to coat the inside due to the cat. Will take some readings of the temp in a few locations prior to install tomorrow.

 

What type and brand of Ceramic coating have you used?

 

I will get back to you on that. It's satin black. I forget the brand. Jm primary uses them.

 

Everything installed today. The temp readings at the plastic valve cover shield and radiator read the same before and after...230 degrees. Jury is still out... Heat shields may go back on.

 

I ended up putting heat shields back on. The temps under the hood were higher...especially on hot days. Now that they are on again, under hood temps have dropped. O well..

 

That's good to know.

 

I just purchased a JM ported S42 K03, with manifold and the NM catted DP,all porcelain coated. I had a tough time deciding between, what I bought, and the E45R K04. Great thread…How long did it take until you received delivery? Looking forward to the same.

 

Exciting. You must be anxious ,as I was, when I ordered. It took 2 weeks to get everything back from JM. It all depends on if he has it in stock and where your turbo is in the ceramic coating line.

 

Which turbo did you purchase? With or without a tune? What is your experience so far?

 

I too tried leaving mine off with the JM k04 47mm turbo, but it started to discolor the valve cover on my first drive on the highway so the top heat shield has gone back on.

I'm also waiting on a turbo blanket from Way, and some DEI wrap for my downpipe as a precaution since the lower heat shied will no longer fit with the new cat. man this stuff runs hot

 

I had the K03 45mm turbo but ended up swapping it for the K04 e45r just a few days ago. I "had" the Manic stage 3 tune untill the dealer wiped it out yesterday (I got Satellite (sirius) programmed for free and they had to update the ECU...). Getting it re flashed next tuesday. The Maic tune is amazing all around. They are the way to go with a tune. Arric at JM Turbo coopers is the best to deal with for turbos.

 

I hear ya. Let us know how you make out.

I ended up ditching the OEM heat shields again! and putting on the Alta turbo/mani blanket and wrapped the DP with lava wrap. The temps are pretty similar to having just OEM heat shields. I will also be putting on the NM heat shield.

 

Ya know, I considered the Alta blanket, I really wanted it to be the solution because it's flexible! but I didn't think my top O2 sensor would line up with the hole and and looking at installing my own stainless steel grommet that size was expensive. As is I had to modify the stock shield to line up w/ my o2 sensor. I have a new downpipe on its way from JMTC that has an extra bung for a standalone AFR I'll see how it all looks then

thanks for your insight!, keep the info coming!