okay... the stock heat shield came off a long time ago and i didn't know it was that important till last week... so i did some research and i know it won't fit with my helix up pipe...

so.... is cutting it just as good as getting one of those fancy cobb/name brand ones?

...is there any possible way to put it back on without taking the intercooler off?

oh and help is always welcome... thanks

 

I cut mine. I actually butchered it using a wire cutters (all I had at the time). But I think you can do a good job with a metal grinder/cutter. I think the stock heat shield is adequate even after you cut it to fit. I was able to fit it back in there with the intercooler in place. I don't know how much help I could be, but if you need it, I'm willing to lend a hand.

 

first of all it's the cheapest to cut your exsisting one. most of us has done this and if you spend just a little time and don't rush just to get it done you'll do a good job.

it's the stock material so it's the best for the application... cobb/cusco...etc. just make them so that it'll look pretty and so it's lighter but ounces aren't going to make a difference anywhere on the track.

it is possible if you cut it correctly to refit the modified stock turbo heat sheild back on without removing the stock intercooler... however if you have to remove the intercooler to remove it why not just put it back on before you put on your intercooler?

i'm aware of people being lazy and not wanting to do it right then an there since it takes sometime but come on now!

there must be a reason why the heat sheidl is there in the first place... it's called heat soake. your intercooler will absorbe all the heat from the turbo...

 

Good point Jon. It's our investment and we should do it once and do it right. However, some people might not the have the luxury of time and it is nothing wrong to ask for an easier alternative route (maybe not the best).

 

yes some people don't have the luxury of time. however if you're doing your own downpipe install...etc. and have to remove the intercooler anyway just take a little time (out of your available time) to modify the heat sheild then instead of waiting since this will cause people to complain about their cars running horribly because of heat soake...etc. or the most used excuse... I HAVE A BOOST LEAK when it's only heat soake due to the heat sheild not being there

hope i didn't offend any n00bies

Jon

 

let me know if you want a gruppe-s heat shield...

 

ahehe... my cusco heat shield just came in today. if you need a stock one to cut, let me know and i'll donate.

 

yeah i would have done this earlier but i didn't do my up/down pipe install... i had a shop do it and well... i have no excuse for not knowing it came off... so yeah i have a weekend project... thanks for the help

 

when i installed my tbe on my sti didn't have to take off intercooler..i ended up cutting it, but i'll probably support myrons shop again and order one anyways :}

 

Buy some aviation grade tin snips. They'll make short work of the stock heat shield and allow you to cut it as you wish. You can pick up a good set of snips for ~ $15. They're very handy for other things as well.

San