DrSL
I am very interested in your experiments and look forward to the temperature measurements you can document.
About the water heater sheild though. Water heaters are only in the 100-140 degree range, so if it has some high temp plastic component, it may not be suitable for under the hood. I am not a mechanic, but I thought that there were products like wide insulating tapes that were specifically made to wrap exhaust headers and protect the engine bay from excessive heat of souped up motors. You might want to check JC Whitney or Pep Boys or a local speed shop.
Tell us more about the removal of the weatherstripping. Is it damaged once removed (could it be replaced if necessary)? Have you inquired on DC as to why it is in place? I wondered if it prevents excessive water from running into the engine bay.
Karl <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>
2003 PT Cruiser GT
Steel Blue w/AutoStick