Starter heat shield for headers?

[Benm109]

Even since I've had my car (almost 2 years), it's never had a starter heat shield on it. I'm pretty sure that there was one on the starter from the factory though, but I'm not 100% sure. It's never caused any problem for me, but it has kind of been in the back of my head bothering me a little.

Anyway, I'm planning on installing headers soon and have been doing a lot of research about how to install them, what all parts you need, etc. Every now and then someone will mention installing a starter heat shield to protect the starter from heat soak. This makes perfect sense to me, considering the headers will sit closer and create higher temperatures near the starter. So, I figure I might as well get one.


Now for my question, does it matter which type of heat shield I buy? I've noticed on places like Summit Racing that they sell 2 different kinds, a wrap that just simply wraps around the starter, or an actual metal plate. Does it really matter which kind I use, or does it really not even matter? They both cost pretty much the same, around $20.


Starter heat shield wrap:


Starter heat shield plate:

[soCalTA]

If you get headers ... you SHOULD get them ceramic coated. That alone will reduce engine compartment heat quite a bit. I have JBA headers that are coated and never have had a problem starting them up with whatever came stock. To me ... the big difference is one you have to take the starter off and the other you don't. Also I think the wrap "reflects" heat where the plate is more like a barrier. I went with the wrap on my road racer.

[Benm109]

Oh yeah, I'm definitely getting my headers ceramic coated, especially considering my car's a daily driver. I've already arranged to have my Hooker 2055 shorties sent out to have the AIR tubes cut off and holes welded up, and then have the headers ceramic coated. A member on Thirdgen.org is going to do them (owns his own coating business, www.cecoatings.com). A lot of people on TGO have got their headers coated from him, and every seems extremely satisfied.

I figured that if I'm going to do full exhaust on my car, I might as well do it right the first time: 1 5/8" Hooker shorty headers (ceramic coated), 3" y-pipe, 3" test pipe (until I can find the best 3" high-flow cat), 3" Hooker Aerochamber catback, locking header bolts, Percy's aluminum header gaskets, new exhaust hangers, new spark plug wires with 90* plug boots and centerbolt valve cover wire looms to keep them in place, starter heat shield, alternator brace spacer, new spark plugs, and a new oxygen sensor.


After posting my question, I realized I'm really just trying to compare apples to apples. I think I will just go with the heat shield wrap though, since it will be much easier to take on and off. Thanks for the help.