If there is one thing Design Engineering (DEI) is good at, it is identifying the specific pain points builders face and engineering a way around them. At the 2025 PRI Show, they rolled out a handful of products that do exactly that, led by a new heat barrier called Adapt-A-Shield. We spent some time with Eric Bond from their engineering team to understand why this new material is finding its way onto so many project cars.
A New Way To Shield Heat
The Adapt-A-Shield is all about flexibility—literally. While it resembles their traditional floor and tunnel shields, this version is lighter, thinner, and infinitely more moldable. The idea is that you can form it around odd-shaped components like fluid reservoirs or tight exhaust bends, and it holds its shape on its own. You don’t need to mess with spray adhesives or mechanical fasteners in tight spaces. Bond noted that the material used for Adapt-A-Shield is so user-friendly you can tear it to size if you are in a rush. It is a perfect “oops” fix for when you realize a component is getting cooked halfway through a race weekend.
Smarter Locking Ties
Another standout was the new LokJaw Tie. Anyone who has sliced their hand open trying to tighten a stainless steel zip tie will appreciate this. DEI redesigned the locking mechanism with a wave pattern that preloads the tension. This means you can secure header wrap or heat sleeves tightly by hand, eliminating the need for a dedicated tensioning tool. It is a small change that makes a huge difference during installation.
Interiors And Accessories
For the interior, DEI showed off the Boom Mat Acoustic Felt. This is great for builds that need to look finished but remain functional, like side-by-sides or street-driven drag cars. It offers thermal and acoustic protection with a nice felt face, so you don’t have to cover it up with carpet. Add in some specific kits for Jeep transmission pans and even touring bike seat covers, and DEI has a comprehensive lineup ready for the 2025 season.
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