Yes it has a "heat shield" however the one above is also enclosed on top. If you like the sucking get a 14x3. There have been hundreds of threads on this. search the site.

read and learn, https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...k-no-more.html read and learn https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram-faqs-143/ read and learn https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...r-intakes.html read and learn https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-assembly.html read and learn https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...egger-mod.html

It took me all of 4 min to find these threads.

 

ok i also have the Spectre intake for the truck i feel the 14x3 and Spectre are very close gains

but whats on my truck? stock box

the 14x3 i lost mpgs, stock box lost sum top end pull

now the Spectre i really have not got to test it out like i have wanted, mpgs wise

now we may have diff want,,, i want mpgs

 

The fact that the SB CAI had the closed top box with an attachment to the factory intake port is what caught my eye. I know the Spectre and K&N each have their own box, with a rubber seal around it... but how long before that seal becomes imperfect and starts grabbing air from the engine compartment?

I know a CAI is mainly for performance, but my overall interest is more efficiency, especially in the fuel arena. I wanted a truck that could do some work, but for the most part I drive the vehicle on the highway every day. AND, I don't hot-rod it.

So, theoretically a CAI should help with fuel efficiency for someone not rodding up the road...

 

Ramsport has an S&B intake. I think hes torn between it and the 14X3. He may chime in on this. I love my 14X3 in town but its SO loud on the interstate.

 

CAI will net in a fuel milage loss. To get more power you need more fuel. Figger this one out on your own.

 

I know I am a little late, the S&B is definitely nice quality! Is it worth the $215 price tag? Well..that is your call, to me it is worth it in FL. I have played with a bunch of different intakes, including the ram air box and 14x3 with k&n. To be honest, there really isn't much difference between any of them, including the stocker. If you want MPG, save your money and put it else where, such as gears, efans, etc.

My $.02