When you’re in the driver’s seat of a Subaru WRX STI, it’s more than just a journey—it’s an experience. But like any high-performance car, the WRX STI is prone to heat soak, an issue that can sap performance and cause engine damage if not properly managed. One proven method for protecting your engine and maintaining optimal performance is installing an aftermarket heat shield. But which one is the best option for your WRX STI? Let’s delve into the question.
Understanding Heat Soak in a Subaru WRX STI
Before you can effectively combat heat soak, you need to understand what it is and why it happens. In high-performance cars like the Subaru WRX STI, the engine is pushed to its limits. This increased demand, coupled with a high-output turbo system, generates a significant amount of heat. Now, heat is an engine’s best friend and worst enemy. It’s necessary for combustion, but too much of it can cause several issues.
When the engine’s cooling system can’t dissipate the heat fast enough, the temperature rises, causing the engine, turbo, and intake systems to become superheated. This phenomenon is known as heat soak and it can lead to decreased performance, increased wear and tear, and potential engine damage.
Typically, the stock heat shields in a WRX STI can handle the heat generated by the stock setup. However, when you start adding performance parts, upgrading the turbo, and pushing the car beyond factory specs, the stock heat shields might not be enough. That’s where aftermarket options come into play.
Identifying the Right Aftermarket Heat Shield
So you’ve decided to upgrade your WRX STI with an aftermarket heat shield, but which one should you go for? There’s a wide variety of options available, each boasting different features and benefits. However, one name continues to stand out in the crowd: Cobb.
Famous for its range of high-quality performance parts for the WRX STI, Cobb has a variety of heat shields that have been specifically designed to fit your Subaru. Their heat shields are constructed from stainless steel, offering exceptional durability and heat resistance. Additionally, the design of the heat shield allows it to provide comprehensive coverage to the turbocharger and surrounding components, further enhancing the resistance against heat soak.
However, even with the best heat shield in your hands, correct installation is critical to ensure optimal performance.
Installing the Heat Shield Correctly
A heat shield will only perform as well as it’s installed. While it might seem like a simple bolt-on-and-go process, it’s critical to ensure it’s done correctly. First, ensure the shield is installed so it covers as much of the turbo as possible. This helps prevent heat from radiating onto other parts of the engine.
Also, remember that the Cobb heat shield is designed to work with a stock intake system. If you have an aftermarket intake, you might need to do some modifications to ensure a proper fit. Furthermore, the shield should not touch any part of the turbo or intake. Vibrations from the engine could cause it to rub against these parts, leading to potential damage.
Although an aftermarket heat shield is an excellent addition to your Subaru, it’s not the only measure you can take to reduce heat soak.
Additional Measures to Reduce Heat Soak
While installing an aftermarket heat shield is a great step towards reducing heat soak, it’s not the only measure you can take. Other methods include installing a performance exhaust system, upgrading your intercooler, and using a heat wrap.
A performance exhaust system can reduce heat soak by allowing exhaust gases to exit the engine more rapidly, reducing overall heat buildup. An upgraded intercooler can also help. By providing a larger surface area for air to pass over, it can cool the intake charge more effectively than the stock system.
Finally, using heat wrap on your intake and exhaust can also help to reduce heat soak. By insulating these parts, the wrap prevents heat from radiating out and heating up surrounding components.
In the end, reducing heat soak in your Subaru WRX STI is all about managing heat effectively. A high-quality aftermarket heat shield like the Cobb is a great start, and when combined with other measures like a performance exhaust, upgraded intercooler, and heat wrap, you can significantly reduce the risk of heat soak and ensure your beloved Subaru performs at its best.
Remember, preserving your engine’s health and longevity is the real win—much more than just a fleeting thrill ride. So, invest wisely in a good heat shield and other relevant parts, and enjoy the fruits of excellent automotive care for years to come.
Supplementing Heat Shield with Other Upgrades
Adding an aftermarket heat shield from Cobb tuning to your Subaru WRX STI is a proactive step in combating heat soak. However, it’s important to remember that the heat shield is just one component in the larger engine system. To maximize the effectiveness of heat management, you might want to consider complementing the heat shield with some other upgrades.
Firstly, aftermarket downpipes can significantly improve your car’s performance. They offer a larger diameter compared to stock downpipes, allowing more exhaust gases to exit the engine quickly. This rapid expulsion of gases effectively reduces temperature buildup, thereby minimizing the risk of heat soak. However, when choosing a downpipe, make sure it’s compatible with your Subaru model, be it an Impreza Subaru, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Forester, or any other.
Secondly, consider adding a turbo blanket. A turbo blanket, which is essentially an insulation layer wrapped around the turbo, further reduces the amount of heat that escapes into the engine bay. This reduction in radiating heat in the engine bay can help in preventing other components from becoming superheated.
Lastly, it’s worth investing in an upgraded intercooler. A more efficient intercooler can cool the intake charge more effectively, leading to lower engine temperatures and reduced heat soak.
Conclusion: The Importance of Heat Management in Subaru Cars
In conclusion, heat soak is a common issue in high-performance cars like the Subaru WRX STI. It’s caused by the engine, turbo, and intake systems becoming superheated when the cooling system can’t dissipate the heat fast enough. This excessive heat can lead to decreased performance, increased wear and tear, and potential engine damage.
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage and reduce heat soak in your Subaru. One of the most effective methods is installing an aftermarket heat shield. The Cobb heat shield, made from stainless steel, provides comprehensive coverage to the turbocharger and surrounding components, significantly reducing heat soak.
However, to maximize heat management in your car’s engine, you can supplement the heat shield with aftermarket downpipes, a turbo blanket, and an upgraded intercooler. All these upgrades work together to provide a cooler, more efficient system that protects your Subaru’s engine and ensures its longevity.
Remember, maintaining the health of your Subaru engine isn’t just about preserving its performance—it’s about ensuring your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. So, go ahead and invest in that Cobb heat shield, and consider other enhancements like aftermarket downpipes, a turbo blanket, or an upgraded intercooler. With these upgrades, you can keep your Subaru in top condition and enjoy the thrill of driving it for many more years. Drive smart and stay cool!
