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TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:31 pm
by Cyberbug
Just received the Header Shield from Brian.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Pe ... 030NC.html

Its a nice size, think of it has a thick aluminum blanket. The kit comes with some hardware and instructions for older miata. But it will be easy to install on the NC, stay tuned.

here is the unpacking - more to come

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Re: TrackDog - NC - Radiator Shield install

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 6:46 pm
by rpmchris
You do mean 'header shield' right?

Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:49 pm
by Cyberbug
Now I know why the car was getting hotter and not cooler :lol:

Yeah, I don't know why radiator was on my mind :mrgreen:

Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:47 am
by rpmchris
:D LOL! I'm watching closely, Faz...this is on my list this month. Thanks for your always helpful install notes and AWESOME pictures!!!

Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:01 pm
by Cyberbug
so warmed up the car today and took some temp reading.

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The header is pretty close to the alternator, the stock header has a shield around it, aftermarket headers don't. I had put some shielding tape behind the alternator. I am going to use the shield to further protect the alternator.
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Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:24 pm
by Cyberbug
Lets get started..

First thing first - If I have to remind you to make sure that the car/header is cold to the touch then you should not be doing this any way.

This requires basic tools, 10,12,13,14mm sockets, extension wrenches etc.

This shield comes with instructions but you really don't need them and the instructions are not for the NC.

Basically you just wrap it around the header, after trying a few things I found out that I did not the provided brackets or bolts to hold it in place

Its a tight fit and its not going any where, but any way I used the provided wire just to hold it in one place.

Not sure how it will fit on the stock header.

Now take the stock shield off, it is held with three screws, its flexible don't be afraid to bend it a littl to get it out.

As you can see from the pictures, I used the provided brackets on the upper bolts, but I could not get the provided nuts in and the bolts, so I just used wire.

Its not going any where.

Also don't use anything sharp to push it in, I used one of those paint mixers.

and I pulled it from the bottom.

this requires a lot of patience, go easy and slow. take your time.

Push and pull slowly. It will fit.

After I got it in place I wrapped it around the header from all sides, top and bottom.

I also pushed it behind the alternator.

putthing the stock shield back may be a little tricky, I did straighten the lower portion to feed it in and then bent it back bolt it back in.

I'll do the temp test tomorrow.

Again, be patient and take your time, you can tie it any which way you want or just wrap it around and leave it like that.

Good luck.

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picture from the under the car
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Wow

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:31 pm
by Cyberbug
Wow - what a big difference about 35F degree after the header shield install

And I had just come back from a drive and car was standing in the garage for a few minutes.

to be honest I did not expect it to work so well. I was able to touch the stock shield (still hot though), engine bay was much much cooler even when the car was running.

Awesome, highly recommended especially for aftermarket headers

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Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:29 am
by rpmchris
This is excellent news. I just got mine as well and will be installing it soon. Do you think the OEM heat shield is necessary now?

Thanks for the great write-up and pics, as usually, Faz!

Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:34 am
by Cyberbug
I like to keep it there - it holds the blanket well in place.

Re: TrackDog - NC - Header Shield install

Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:32 am
by Nuvolari
Hi Brian

Today I received heat shield ordered from your site for my 2006 NC but the installation manual in the box is for NA/NB model. And now I don't know is the heat shield same for all year MX-5 or there is a difference between NA/NB and NC?