I was wondering if there is any actual proof about better performance in having an intake heatshield vs. not? Dyno numbers/comparisons with actual proof. The reason I ask is that the engine bay is extremely hot as is and an A/C fan blowing to diminish performance doesn't seem like it would add to the heat if you have the snorkel bringing in outside air. The A/C running in any car to diminish performance makes since. I understand that this might be going against the grain, and I could be inviting a lot of back lash but I just really wanted to know.

 

The heat shield for open element filters isn't directly meant for any performance gain. With the A/C on, the radiator fan kicks on and blows directly into the filter. With that hot, turbulent air hitting the MAF sensor, it usually causes a very erratic idle. All the heat shield is meant to do is block the fan from blowing air into the filter and causing the erratic idle.

 

^+1 and it sometimes throws a code.

 

Thanks that clarifies things for me.