Heat Shields

classical glass · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2017, 02:38 PM

Hi I would like some input and opinions. I have to install exhaust heat shields on my Cobra and was wondering which is the better way to go. I have the silver ceramic heat coating on the pipes now should I go with chrome or ceramic coated heat covers? The car is not driven in bad weather however when it's washed water will obviously they will get wet.Are there any advantages to either of the two? I'm not a fan of heat shields but when you have little ones running around you can't be too careful. Any thoughts?

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2017, 04:38 AM

Heat shields are crap, IMO.

If you have to put them on for inspection, then put the very minimum on to get by, then remove them. If you have little ones running around, then heat shields are just going to give you a false sense of security -- they can still burn themselves, especially on the primaries coming out of the fender wells. I do keep a cut of welding blanket behind the set to drape over the pipes to help passengers get out, sometimes. Personally, I've only fried my ankle a few times over the last decade -- one time pretty good. But the scar went away and the sinew came off the side pipes with a little 409 cleaner. I haven't done that in years though.

66gtk · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2017, 07:15 AM

How old are the children you are concerned about? I have 3 daughters and along with my wife and every friend and other I encounter with the side pipes there haven't been any difficulties. I just remind them (and myself) all the time getting in/out and being around the car. The only person who got snake bit was a friend of mine who I let take my 427 for a ride. I warned him when he got in, but he was so excited after his drive, he forgot upon exit to watch his step and he got bit. Left a little scar, but he's very proud of it. (:

Seems the easiest way to get burned is on the front of your shins when going to open the hood and forgetting about the primaries. I had a good pair of socks save me once. Just like driving these kinds of cars, you have to be hyper-aware and prepared at all times when messing with a deadly snake!

Jim Holden · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2017, 10:23 AM

I've never had a problem, but some passengers forget the admonition to; "Step out and away from the car..." Years ago, I had a couple of "Bud Lite" girls in the 472SC and when one went to get out of the car, I grabbed her ankle to pull her leg away from the exhaust pipe. Her response? "So, do you like what you see?" I was mortified, but the answer was... "Yes."

RockBit · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2017, 02:01 PM

I think heat shields are a personal choice, like everything else on these cars. I don't have them on mine and constantly warn passengers not to touch the pipes. A buddy recently burned his leg while getting out of the car.

If I were to add some heat shields, I would make them the same finish as the pipes. It seems to me that a mismatched finish would look odd.

awfink55 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2017, 03:33 PM

Sorry to disagree with some of you, I guess it's each ones preference. Before I mounted sidepipe shields, I wrapped the muffler area with fiberglass exhaust manifold wrap. With the wrap and the covers no one has burned their leg. Even after some spirited driving the covers are warm to the touch but not hot enough to burn. The collectors are a different story though. I am very concerned about the hot pipes at Shows and when folks admire my Cobra.