CAI Heat Shield For Show?

[Ron]

My K&N CAI heat shield is rubbing into the hood insulation.
I also understand the JTL does the same.

The question is: Why not delete the heat shield ?

[Raudermaster]

Precisely, I think it's more for looks really, take off the shield and do a dyno and see if any power differs. I think the reason companies put them there is for consumers to feel good and that it will only get cold air.

[fastblackmerc]

My K&N CAI heat shield is rubbing into the hood insulation.
I also understand the JTL does the same.

The question is: Why not delete the heat shield ?

The JLT heat shield DOES NOT rub the hood insulation.

In some cases the rubber that connects the JLT to the throttle body MAY contact the hood insulation. This is easily fixed by repositioning the elbow.

[Paul T. Casey]

My K&N CAI heat shield is rubbing into the hood insulation.
I also understand the JTL does the same.

The question is: Why not delete the heat shield ?

My JTL heat shield doesn't rub the hood either. I don't know how much it actually "shields heat" but I modified it slightly and use it mostly to "shield water." I have it positioned in a way which blocks any splash (mine's a daily driver) from hitting the air filter. I wouldn't reccomend driving through any "mini-lakes," but it seems to work in heavy rain.