Heat Shields or No Heat Shields...that is the question
Looking for more opinions. I bought a set of heat shields but was thinking they might look a bit cheezy. I like the look without them better.....however I dont want the "chief" to get snake bit.
Use shields especially on the passenger side. It really isn't a matter of will someone get burned, just a matter of when. It HURTS, and it is ugly, for a lot longer than you would expect.
FFR MkII, 408W, Tremec TKO 500, 2015 IRS, DA QA1s, Forte front bar, APE hardtop.
Those look like Backdraft heat shields. I have the same set. I think they fit a "traditional" aesthetic better than some of the other options out there. Just my opinion. I think not only do they provide a benefit, but they also look cool too.
Build 1: MKIV #7275 Gen 2 Coyote TK600, IRS 3.55 2020 Graduated
Build 2: Gen3 65 Coupe: Arrived June 2024. Gen 2 Coyote, T56, IRS 3.55
Photo of Drummer Mike's for reference. Nice pieces and blend right in.
Ditto to everything that's been said - you need some version. Just as you need to remember that none of them cover the bend in front of the collector. For when you stopped at the gas station and are cleaning off your windshield. For instance.
I've had the Drummer Mike shields for 10+ years and prefer the clean / no cut-outs / no bolt heads appearance.
Before I got them, I warned my nephew and my dad multiple times before entering, both earned minor burns for not heeding my repeated warnings.
I never burned my legs, but I did get reminded a couple times for getting too close.
I have seen some painful & permenant tatoos posted here.
Don't risk it!
Also, be mindful of children getting too close to the bend / body exit when parking at car shows & Cars/Coffee events. They like to see the engine when you first arrive and pipes are still HOT!
F5R #7446: MK4, 302, T5 midshift, 3.55 Posi IRS, 17" Halibrands
Delivered 4/4/11, First start 9/29/12, Licensed 4/24/13, off to PAINT 2/15/14!! Wahoo!
I heard about the snake bite so many times at London last year I went under car exhaust. Exhaust has to exit in front of rear wheels however due to the IRS. Depends if you must have that side pipe look.
Waterman
MK4 Roadster started February 2024
302 carb, TKX, IRS, under car exhaust
Car is about 9 years old with Drummer Mikes shields from day one. Had a 67 StingRay with Hooker outside pipes. Learned about the StingRay Sting the hard way.
Quality product that still look new without any special maintenance. For heat did a suspenders & belt approach, the shields are lined with Thermo-Tec
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 01-20-2025 at 11:38 PM.
Kevin
MKIV #8234
Coyote '14/TKO-600/3-Link 3:55 Rear I love the smell of 100 octane in the morning.
NITTO NT01 275X40X17ZR - 315X35ZRX17
Delivered 2/7/14 - Plate "COYOTE NC1965" 3/25/15
I took the poll, and voted "no" to shields - but I have the double-wall stainless Flowmaster mufflers that the shields would cover. Get in front of that on the 4 tubes, or behind that with the tips - shields don't cover those areas anyway.
My wife was the one who wanted the shields installed after witnessing a fellow Mile-Hi Cobra Club member get bit on a club drive. Since she wanted them, I let her decide what to get. This is what she chose:
They are subtle, and I get a lot of comments or people noticing them at shows.
I don't have them even though I've burned my leg a few times, but I'm not the smartest fellow.
Please be advised that I do keep a small welding blanket in the car to protect Mrs. Go-Dad's legs.
Mine are perforated, like RJD's above. They're from here. I bought them in bare steel and had them ceramic-coated satin black by Jet Hot, along with the side pipes, so they blend in pretty well and aren't that noticeable. I prefer the look of the side pipes without heat shields, but would rather my wife not burn her leg on the side pipes.
MkIV Roadster build: Gen 2 Coyote, IRS, TKO600. Ordered 10/24/18. Delivered 1/29/19. Engine installed 8/8/21. First start 9/12/21. First go-kart 9/17/21. Off to paint 4/11/22. Back from paint 12/30/22. Build thread here.
It turns out that Drummer Mike has a set of heat shields that have been ceramic coated in stock and ready to ship.. He recommended that I use these as I already have my side pipes ceramic coated and they'll match perfectly. When I get them I'll install and post the pics. Then I'll list the "cheese graters" I currently have installed in the parts for sale section of the forum.
It turns out that Drummer Mike has a set of heat shields that have been ceramic coated in stock and ready to ship.. He recommended that I use these as I already have my side pipes ceramic coated and they'll match perfectly. When I get them I'll install and post the pics. Then I'll list the "cheese graters" I currently have installed in the parts for sale section of the forum.
sell 'em to your local pizzeria
Mk.4 FFR supplied Right hand drive
Received 12/2012 completed 12/2019
Gen1 Coyote / TKO600 / IRS
Lots of mods to make compliant for Australian design rules
It turns out that Drummer Mike has a set of heat shields that have been ceramic coated in stock and ready to ship.. He recommended that I use these as I already have my side pipes ceramic coated and they'll match perfectly. When I get them I'll install and post the pics. Then I'll list the "cheese graters" I currently have installed in the parts for sale section of the forum.
I’ve tried to reach him a few times. Must have the wrong contact info. Would you pm me the contact info?
Thanks,
Dan
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Mk4 complete kit arrived 10 May 23 Current BOM
I got the finish line set, everything works and looks great minus one fitting on one strap arrived lose and I can't tighten the bolt for it, and they're not answering phone calls or emails. I'm going to experiment with getting that fitting tight but haven't had a chance yet.
I took the "cheese graters" off yesterday. They now reside in the "for sale" section. The Post Office tells me the set from Drummer Mike will arrive tomorrow. Pics to follow.
I have the cheese grater and like the look. They also give me some peace of mind when my wife is getting in and out of the car. I had to change the mounting hardware to fit where I wanted to mount it and re-weld the studs.
Mk4 base kit 7721, 331 Stroker, Holley Sniper EFI, Wipers, Heater, Whitby Soft Top, Drop trunk mod and more
Drummer Mike's heat shields arrived yesterday afternoon. I put the Cobra on the lift to make it easier to install the new heat shields. Pretty straight forward installation. Very high quality. These were the only ones I found ceramic coated ready to ship. The coating matched the side pipes exactly, which was a concern when I ordered them, but not to worry. I really love the "no visible means of support". Hats off to Mike. We got a break in the rain for a few hours so I pulled the car out of the shop to get some idea of how the shields would look in the sun.
They look good, I've enjoyed mine for 12+ years and they still look great! I got the polished SS and they always shine back up.
FYI: Make sure you get those straps securely tightened (I mean crank them down). One of my straps came loose in the first 100 miles and the shield came loose and fell down. I was REALLY LUCKY there was no damage! Just a PSA for you.
F5R #7446: MK4, 302, T5 midshift, 3.55 Posi IRS, 17" Halibrands
Delivered 4/4/11, First start 9/29/12, Licensed 4/24/13, off to PAINT 2/15/14!! Wahoo!