We’re more than just heat-control specialists. At Heatshield Products, we put our passion for performance vehicles to work by proactively finding new ways to use our thermal-barrier materials. After recent discussions with our friends in the turbocharger market, we saw a need for a turbo plug.
Why? Here’s something we see far too often: People will close off the turbo with a wadded-up shop rag or similar DIY hack. But this “solution” could create multiple problems. For starters, if the turbo is very hot, the rag could ignite and start a fire. Or, if the rag is forgotten, it could get sucked through the turbo and air intake when the engine starts up. And here’s the harshest reality of all: The rag method does NOTHING to keep out moisture or airborne debris, especially if the open turbo is on a vehicle or boat being towed on an open trailer. All these scenarios could cause catastrophic damage to the turbocharger, intake system or engine.
ABOVE: Often people will use a rag of some sort to block off the turbocharger inlet to keep moisture and debris. Using just a rag can create multiple problems which can lead to damage of the turbocharger, intake system, and engine.
Also, be aware that during towing, enough airflow is being generated to spin the turbocharger impeller/compressor, even without the engine running. Without the engine running, there isn’t any pressurized oil to lubricate the turbo’s bearings. That increases wear on the bearings and leads to premature bearing failure, wrecking the turbocharger and causing engine damage as well.
Our Lava Turbo Plug™ was born from this problem. The Lava Turbo Plug™ is made from our proprietary and specially formulated volcanic-rock–based fiber material and RugGold™ technology, and is designed to fit snugly and securely on the turbocharger inlet.
The Lava Turbo Plug™ is an intake heat shield held firmly in place with an integrated belt, so even at highway speeds, it won’t come off. The special design will also prevent air, moisture, rain or debris from entering the turbocharger intake and creating problems. And unlike having a rag in the inlet, the Lava Turbo Plug™ won’t get sucked into the turbo when the engine is started up.
The Lava Turbo Plug™ is available in three sizes to fit a variety of turbocharger housings/inlets and heights. If your particular turbocharger is in between one of our available sizes, you can still use the larger size because the integrated-belt system helps it fit securely. And thanks to the volcanic-rock–based fibers, you can still install the Lava Turbo Plug™ if the turbo is scorching hot.
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Part No |
Description |
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070814 |
Lava Turbo Plug, 3 in x 2.5 in tall |
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070815 |
Lava Turbo Plug, 4 in x 3 in tall |
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070816 |
Lava Turbo Plug, 5 in x 3 in tall |
