I am curious.. has anyone made their own heat shield to go between a header and intake manifold? I know you can pick one up at Mazdatrix, but it doesn't look that difficult to make my own.

I though maybe someone in the forum had might have a novel idea that I haven't though of before I tackle it on my own. Anyone got any pic's or suggestions?

 

No, but keep us posted. It is on my list (a very long one) of things to do.
hanman

 

I thought about doing something like that. I was going to go to Home Depot and etch "RX-7" on the top of it.

 

When I get it done, I'll post some pic's I suppose. Though about just buying some header wrap but where's the challenge there?

 

I used the existing one - it won't fit unless you cut away part of the back section where the pipe begins to drop down to your exhaust (and a little bending here and there). I was able to keep the part I wanted which was about 12" of the shield and the outlet where the hose runs from the shield to the air cannister snorkle. In the colder weather where I'm from, I needed the hose to warm up my carb on cool mornings - I've never seen a home made job with the Hose outlet. If you're looking for something a little easier on the eyes, make your own - Based on your post, I'm not sure if you are trying to sharpen up your engine bay, go for functionality, or both

 

There wasn't much left of the old shield after I removed it with a certain amound of TLC I think w/out the shield that snorkel isn't exactly needed right now anyway. I don't drive it in the cold anyhow.

As to your question of function or form.. it should look good but above all it's gotta actually DO something.

 

I'm working on mine right now, got the carboard template all finished. I'll post the final sizes/dimesions when it's all bent up...it don't know if everyone is the same. I'm thinking my '80 intake might be shaped different. I got rid of the snorkle and the flapper in the air horn, didn't notice any more difficulty with cold morning drives....