Unboxing: Heatshield Products

Gale Banks explains why turbo insulation and exhaust systems can be very important to both the performance and safety of the surrounding equipment. We reached out to Heatshield Products to help with both our Duramax L5P in the Killing A Duramax series and the supercharged twin-turbo Duramax monster truck engine. The 35-year-old family-owned company sent various Lava Shield turbo covers, Heat Shield Armor for the up-pipes, and stainless steel fasteners.

In 1985, Mel Heye started Heatshield Products with his son Bruce. Later, his grandson Steve stepped up to join his dad, Bruce. They’ve been at it for 35 years. Gale loves a family-owned business, as anyone could imagine.

Banks has two engine build programs happening, Building a Monster Truck and Killing a Duramax. Both of these require insulation. We need to keep the heat in the piping, feeding the turbocharger. Gale is interested in the radiated heat and keeping it from damaging anything. This is where Heatshield Products come in.

On the next Engineering Unboxed, Gale opens up some products that help with Oil Life Extension. Banks explains how adding a high-quality bypass filter system to your diesel pickup can greatly extend the oil life and protect the engine.