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When it comes to adding upgrades to our hot-rodded classics, 99-percent of the time those mods include parts that make the car look better, handle better, launch better, and even stop better. It’s the improvements we can immediately notice that tend to get the most attention. But have you ever thought of under hood insulation as a possible upgrade? The folks at Design Engineering Inc (DEI) do that very thing every day.

There is a lot of heat generated from the engine. Be it the actual heat of the engine itself or the intense heat from the headers/exhaust manifolds. The heat generated by the engine can harm your car’s paint over time, especially in the areas of the hood where there is no bracing. The underhood bracing not only supports the hood, it’s also another layer that engine heat can’t get through. However, the areas around that bracing are subjected to engine heat every time your car is running with the hood closed.

Every car model is different, and DEI has kits for almost every classic – and even many late-model – cars ever made. If you check out the website, you’ll also find even more ways to help insulate and even soundproof your ride.

While engine and exhaust heat might not cause your hood paint to actually blister — unless something goes really haywire — over time, it can degrade the paint. If you do have the OE-style insulation under your hood, good on you. At least you are attempting to protect the paint. But the OE material is not as efficient as the DEI insulation, and you want the best for your ride, don’t you?

Installing the Under Hood Kit is simple, as all that is required is for you to peel the adhesive backer and then attach the pre-cut pieces to your car. With the protective backer removed, you can see the Scrim material that is part of the DEI material.

But how does the DEI material differ from OEM? “OEM typically uses a pressed-glass fiber material,” states Mike Buca of DEI. “This is like the fiberglass used in house insulation. While it does an okay job at blocking heat and some sound, it can deteriorate quickly and start to fall apart. The DEI Black Under Hood insulation has a scrim layer that holds everything together and is designed for sound absorption. It does a great job of both blocking heat and sound.” In case you were wondering, Scrim is a simple web-like product with fibers that are chemically bonded. It is strong, flexible, and can be fire retardant.

DEI Under Hood Insulation Kits are custom cut kits that control engine heat and noise that is often a problem with today’s modified vehicles packed with high-performance components. These pre-cut hood insulation kits might not look exactly like the “stringy” OE material, but the DEI material does have a similar appearance. These are the perfect replacement for your worn out, dirty hood liner while protecting your paint from engine heat and chemicals.

Simply stick each hood insulation piece in place.

Each kit is custom CNC cut and has an aggressive adhesive backing, making for an easy installation. “With the upgrade in material performance, you will have a quiet ride and control hood temperatures,” affirms Buca. “Each kit is CNC cut for a great fit. What’s more, with the peel-and-stick adhesive, the install is a breeze.”

With all the DEI underhood-insulation pieces firmly adhered to the hood, the paint is protected, and you will even notice a reduction in underhood noise. For many, a quieter ride is a more enjoyable ride.

Installation of the DEI Under Hood material is so simple, it can be completed in much less time than it takes to mow your yard. That means you should do this instead of mowing the grass. We got our hands-on an Under Hood kit for a friend’s ’65 Chevelle, just to show how easy it really is to replace the OE material that is likely falling apart or install into a car with no insulation so you can help protect your hood’s paint. What are you waiting for? This is inexpensive and a great looking way to improve the under-hood appearance of your hot-rodded classic.

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