I need to protect my starter from heat. Which is better in your opinion, the metal shields, or the blanket type? Thank you.

factory metal shield.
Harley

After heat soaking mine thoroughly, a nice heat shield was installed. I decided to use the aluminum one with the insulation stuffed in between the aluminum plates. I believe that it was a Mr.Gasket brand.

Hope it helps

I have had excellent luck with a Thermotec starter blanket. I ordered mine thru Jeg's. Thermotec blankets do a better job (my opinion only) at blocking radiant heat than a 'conductive' aluminum heat shield that actually makes hard contact against the silinoid/header and transfers heat thru conductivity.

The blankets actually wrap the entire starter/silinoid. And, next to the exhaust header itself (closest point to the silinoid), you can actually get two wraps of protection because they provide enough material so that you can overlap where ever you choose. I think Thermotec claims it will hold off temperatures equal to the surface of the sun...just kidding http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif It is high though.

I also use this stuff to keep my fuel and nitrous lines from overheating and boiling during local shows or hot (Houston) cruises. It works. Hope you find the fix!

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70' Malibu - 383 'Dental Gas' Inhaling Stroker! Gold Member #39
Chevellz Alwayz!

I have been using a Moroso Aluminum heat shield for about 5 years now. B4 putting it in the starter would cook in about 1 year or so. I just pulled the starter out after 5 years and replaced it, but it was not fried yet, the bat cables were actually the problem. It does make it a pain to put the starter in with the headers

Frank

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As stated above, it is a tight fit for a starter in the area of the headers. The metal heat shield adds to this situation, and on my application it kind of rattles during warm up (annoying to me.) You can also relocate or add a solenoid away from the exhaust area to solve this problem.

Thanks for the advice folks. This site is too cool!

I agree very much with Wes... I use the same blanket and also a sheath for my + starter cable (that runs right through headers) and it has worked flawlessly.. I was told, for the same reason that Wes mentioned, that the solid metal shields are nowhere near as good as the blanket type.

Mike