I'm thinking about adding the AEM air filter, hood ram, and turbo heat shield. Is there anyone that has this on an N18 or later Mini. It looks like if I add the heat shield, I have to give up the logo spark plug cover, is this correct?

 

Yeah, the mounts for the AEM heat shield interfere with the OEM engine cover.

I think this spring, I’m going to replace my AEM heat shield with an M7 heat shield, so I can add the OEM engine cover back on. Or, I’ll add the Forge turbo blanket.

 

How far does it go over the OEM engine cover? It looks like if they literally cut an inch off that side it would not be a problem? Is there a way to "mod" it after the fact? I'm guessing you would need a torch to cut that metal though....

 

I could even get the AEM shield to fit with the OEM engine cover. Cutting the AEM shield wasn’t an option because it is a multi layer piece.

 

So not following why the multi-layer makes a difference. Can't you use a cut-off wheel? That's cut through everything, metal, brick, whatever...

 

I think a cut up AEM heat shield with the engine cover would look worse than an unmodified heat shield without the OEM engine cover.

 

Probably but the other heat shields are $100+ $$$ expensive.

Maybe it is possible to cut up the OEM engine cover with a dremel tool? It looks the engine cover connectors are still visible. It just needs a slit or a way to be under the cover?

 

If you are planning on getting an AEM intake, you’ll be able to figure something out. I’ve looked into a few different options to use the AEM heat shield with the OEM engine cover, and my conclusion was to save for an M7 or NM heat shield.

 

lol. Well I'm trying.... I'm running out of options. I like the intake because I like the idea of channeling and ramming cold air into the air filter box. I figure I need a performance air filter which are around $50 anyway so this is the time to make that decision.

Are you sure the NM heat shield doesn't interfere with the N18 engine cover as well?

https://www.urotuning.com/products/n...12298412425271

 

I hate to be "that guy" but have you looked at this:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ield-ever.html ?

You can also find a few threads on minitorque and photos on the gram where users have experienced the same failure.

Also, in reference to the Forge turbo blanket, I had one and in my opinion it was garbage. I'm no fan of WMW, but his turbo wrap is worth every penny. It's one of those things that I put on and immediately thought "why didn't I do this right the first time."

 

Also, what about this one (CTS Turbo heat shield), it looks like it is roughly the same design but is $50.

https://www.urotuning.com/products/c...xoCTzkQAvD_BwE

I can't tell if this one would interfere with the N18 engine cover or not. I know that titanium has a lower heat thermal conductivity than aluminum. However, I'm guessing the AEM heat shield is aluminum right?

 

I agree with scotty-r56s. The WMW turbo wrap is the only one that actually improves turbocharger efficiency and reduces underhood temperatures significantly. When installed, it is hidden under the OEM turbo heat shield.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-turbo-heat-shield.html

What do you want, something cosmetic that could melt your head cover or a heat shield that actually improves performance and engine component longevity?

 

Hmm. Ouch...no I did not see that. However, that thread is my point! The heat shield should NOT be going over the engine at all. None of the other heat shields do that. All of the heat shields are going to "trap heat" under them and anything under the shield must be capable of extreme heat. It looks like the AEM heat shield should be cut to remove the part going over the engine plastics...

Also, the issue is not just heat from the turbo. You have the manifold there as well. So I don't see how just blanketing your turbo fully solves the problem of heat to the hood and it is really a solution to a different problem of increased turbo efficiency (and probably some longevity) in the turbo.

 

The N18 NM heat shield does not interfere with the OEM engine cover. The pictures above are for the N14 version.



It is also my understanding that the failure in the link above is from track use of the AEM intake. I've had the AEM installed on my Manic stage 2 for 3 years, and have not had any issues with my cam cover.

 

Thanks.
I don't think my N18 engine has all that plastic up in front either for the AEM heat shield to melt. Do you have an N18 or N14?

 

I have an N18 Cooper S Clubman. .

 

The N18 engine has more plastic on the headcover than the N14, the spark plugs and coil packs are covered on the N18 and not on the N14.

 

No, the sound absorber is really just for decoration and to hold a Mini Logo. The N14 has the plastic over the coil wires close to the turbo. Those go over the top of the engine on the N18. There is nothing on the N18 on the turbo/valve cover side..

 

An AEM heat shield will do nothing to reduce under hood temperatures or improve turbo efficiency and it has a better chance of melting either an N14 or an N18 head cover. Get one, if you like how it looks, but don't think you are doing anything good for your engine.

 

Not for the engine...for the plastic air intake on the hood.