Design Engineering Dei

Performance Heat Management Solutions from Design Engineering

Design Engineering Inc., universally known as DEI, has built a reputation as one of the automotive aftermarket's most trusted names in thermal management and sound control. Founded in 1995 by performance industry veteran Dale Markley, the company was established with a clear mission: developing innovative solutions to combat underhood heat that robs engines of power and damages critical components. What started in a modest space in Cleveland, Ohio has evolved into a global leader serving automotive, powersports, marine, industrial, and commercial markets worldwide.

With the majority of their products proudly manufactured in the USA, DEI focuses on precision engineering, premium materials, and application-specific design to address the three fundamental types of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation. Whether you're building a weekend street machine or preparing a competitive race car, understanding how to manage heat can mean the difference between consistent performance and premature component failure.

Core Product Specialties

DEI's extensive catalog centers on protecting vehicles and their occupants from the damaging effects of excessive heat and unwanted noise. Their thermal acoustic insulation products combine heat reflection with sound dampening properties, creating more comfortable cabin environments while safeguarding sensitive electronics and mechanical components from heat damage. These multi-layered barrier materials have become essential for builders who demand both performance and refinement.

The company's exhaust system wrap represents one of their most recognized product categories. DEI's Titanium Wrap helps maximize horsepower and performance by lowering underhood temperatures and maintaining high exhaust gas velocity. By keeping heat contained within the exhaust system, wrapped headers and pipes reduce heat soak that can affect nearby components like starter motors, fuel lines, and wiring harnesses. This thermal containment also contributes to improved exhaust scavenging, which can translate to measurable power gains.

Beyond soft goods, DEI produces an array of hard parts and specialty items. Their heat reflective tape provides targeted protection for hoses, wires, and other heat-sensitive components that require flexible, conformable shielding. Form-A-Shield products allow fabricators to create custom heat barriers that conform to irregular surfaces like turbo housings and exhaust manifolds. The company also offers practical hardware solutions including exhaust clamps and fastening systems designed to withstand extreme temperature cycling, as well as specialized gaskets like their engine oil pressure relief valve gaskets that ensure reliable sealing in critical engine systems.

Engineering Philosophy and Innovation

Based in the USA, DEI has been pushing the boundaries on heat management products for over 25 years, with innovation central to how they work—always searching for solutions to problems present in the industry while refining and improving products as new technology becomes available. Recent innovations include advanced thermal acoustic coatings with ceramic micro-sphere technology, RFI shielding products for high-voltage ignition systems, and even safety solutions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and lithium battery fires.

The company's BoomMat line extends their expertise into pure acoustical control, offering sound deadening materials that reduce road noise, vibration, and rattles without adding excessive weight. As a team of dedicated enthusiasts, DEI understands the importance of reliability when performance matters most, which is why they stand firmly behind every product they offer. This commitment to quality has earned them recognition from professional race teams, automotive manufacturers, and enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on component protection and vehicle refinement.