DEI’s newly released EXO Series™ Protect-A-Boot is designed maximum spark plug boot and wire heat protection. Ideal for all grassroots and professional motorsports, including extreme sports, the EXO Series spark plug boot provides top-of-the-line protection for your spark plug wires against high direct or radiant heat.

The EXO Series boot features dual layer material construction of two layers of high temperature Silica glass fiber encased in a tough outer exoskeleton of 304 grade stainless steel mesh.  The mesh prevents direct contact with the inner Silica lining and additionally provides an insulating air gap barrier. The dual layer construction and tough exterior provides a higher level of heat dissipation and abrasion resistance for high heat or abrasion prone environments such as off-road and desert racing.

The EXO Series boot is sized 1” ID x 6” L and is now available in packs of 2 (part #010088), 4 (part #010087) 8 (part #010086), or in bulk (010506B).  So whether there’s a need to protect a few spark plug boots from a high-heat area such as exhaust headers, or protecting a complete 8 cylinder application, DEI offers quantity choices to fit the vehicle owner’s needs.

For more information about the new EXO Series Protect-A-Boot, visit www.DesignEngineering.com, call DEI at 800-264-9472 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To keep up with the latest new thermal performance products from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Avon Lake, OH (June 14, 2016)…Design Engineering’s Stainless Steel Positive Locking Ties are now available. The kits are designed for high heat applications such as exhaust wrap.

DEI’s Positive Locking Ties are made of 316 stainless steel in a ladder-style design with a ratchet tightening system and low profile clasp. Made for high heat applications, the ties can withstand heat in excess of 2500° F. Resistant to abrasive chemicals, the ties also can be used to secure electrical wires, cables, hoses and fluid lines.

DEI now offers a free Locking Tie Tool with the purchase of its Positive Locking Tie Kit (part #010219). The kit includes eight 9” x 8mm and four 14” x 8mm stainless steel ties and one Tie Tool.

For users not experienced with DEI”s stainless steel ties, or professionals that are accustomed to using the ties frequently, the DEI Locking Tie Tool is a major timesaver that will consistently provide professional results. To use, slide the tool on the end of any ¼” nut driver, engage the tie, and twist. DEI’s Locking Tie Tool fits on the end of any standard ¼” drive and works with all popular styles of stainless ties - up to ½” wide.

The DEI Locking Tie Tool is made of hardened steel and is black oxide coated for years of trouble free use.

To learn more about DEI’s complete line of thermal control products call 800-264-9472, visit www.DesignEngineering.com, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Keep up with the very latest product developments and company news for DEI on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to DEI’s newsletter.

DEI’s popular Titanium Exhaust and Pipe Wrap Kit is now available in a clear, see-through clamshell package. The all-in-one kit has everything to completely wrap a set of V8 headers. The kit includes two 2” x 50’ rolls of Titanium wrap, eight 8” and four 4” stainless steel locking ties and a free Locking Tie Tool. Using DEI’s unique tool, ties are quickly tightened for a secure fit.

DEI”s Titanium Exhaust Wrap with LR Technology™ reduces under-the-hood temperature by keeping more heat in the exhaust system. The increased exhaust velocity improves flow and allows for a cooler intake charge for more horsepower. Additional benefits include less “heat soak” for a more comfortable interior. Tested and proven to withstand direct heat up to 1800°F, or intermittent heat up to 2500°F, DEI’s original Titanium Exhaust Wrap is 40-50% more effective than conventional glass fiber wraps. The stainless steel locking ties have a high tensile strength rating and withstand heat up to 2500°F.

DEI’s new retail packaging allows customers to examine the product and all contents while providing in eye-catching graphics all the features and benefits needed to promote sales. Installation instructions include a guide for properly cutting pipe and tube lengths.

For more information about the original Titanium Exhaust and Pipe Wrap Kit featuring Titanium wrap with LR Technology, part #010095,  visit www.DesignEngineering.com, call DEI at 800-264-9472 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To keep up with the latest new thermal performance products from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

DEI, the leading thermal control specialist for the automotive aftermarket since 1995, now offers the Ultra 47™ Turbo Shield.  This new affordably priced shield, introduced at the 2015 SEMA Show, is designed for either OEM or aftermarket T-3 (#010172) and T-4 (#010173) turbos.

The Ultra 47 turbo shield significantly decreases turbo lag and spool time for quicker power and increased torque.  More heat is kept inside the turbo manifold increasing exhaust gas velocity for increased boost pressure.  Reduced under the hood temperature also ensures cooler intake charges, adds protection of vacuum lines and wiring harness from excessive heat and improves radiator performance.

It is a skillfully constructed, tri-layer material design that uses advanced technology to ensure heat stays where it belongs – inside the turbocharger.  The outer shell is made of aluminum impregnated glass fiber with a high temperature insulating mat core and a silica glass blended interior liner.  Double stitched seams and smooth capped anchor points, distinguish this shield as a true Made in the USA quality product. The shield covers aftermarket turbos – Garrett, Precision, TIAL, Turbonetics or Borg-Warner.

The Ultra Shield Turbo Kit, also available for the T3 (#010174) and T4 (#010175) comes complete with one 2” x 15’ roll of black thermal pipe wrap, two 20” stainless steel locking ties and 5’ of fastening wire.

For more information about the Ultra 47 turbo shield and turbo shield kit, check out the new 2016 DEI product catalog, visit  www.DesignEngineering.com, call DEI at 800-264-9472, or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To keep up with the latest new thermal control performance products from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Design Engineering has released Titanium Protect-A-Boots, which are a longer 8” length. DEI’s Titanium Protect-A-Boots provide maximum thermal protection against heat generated from the engine block, exhaust manifold and headers. Excessive heat may cause wires and boots to burn, harden or crack resulting in arcing, misfire or full ignition failure.

Constructed from heat resistant pulverized lava rock material, stranded and woven into a double-wall weave, these durable 8” boot protectors are resistant to chemicals, abrasions and contaminants. With the capability of withstanding direct heat up to 1800°F and radiant heat to 2,500°F, they provide effective protection for any high performance engine. Originally designed for the General Motors LS series of engines, the longer length and no-ring construction provides greater protection for street, race or off-road applications.

This new product from DEI is now available for purchase in either a two-pack (part #010543) or eight-pack (part #010544) set. The 1” I.D. and flexible construction allows for easy installation for straight or angled boots including Corvette C5 (1997-2004) and  C6 (2005-2013) generation models.

For more information on Design Engineering’s new 8” Titanium Protect-A-Boots or other thermal protection products, please visit www.designengineering.com, call 800-264-9472 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Avon Lake, Ohio (June 30, 2016)… DEI’s first ever Cruise-in held on Saturday, June 18th at the company’s headquarters in Avon Lake, OH was deemed a huge success with over 350 people in attendance. Developed in conjunction with the 2016 Cruisin’ Times Magazine Lucky 7 Road Show, the Cruise-in featured close to 200 hot rods, custom rods, race cars and tricked out trucks. Several DEI sponsored race teams were present including Martino Motorsports with their NHRA/PDRA Top Dragster out of Youngstown, OH. Tom “WF” and Ryan Martino are sponsored with DEI’s Ny-Trex Oxide Systems and DEI thermal products. Also on hand was Dave May from May Motorsports who brought his #7 and #77 MSA /modified race cars, and from Medina, OH Aaron Quine with his Howe TA2 2015 Trans Am Camaro.

Tom Miller, DEI’s V.P. of Marketing and Sales, reported, “The free event was a big hit with employees, spectators and all car show participants. We had perfect weather – sunny and 80 degrees, had delicious barbeque on hand from Jones Bones BBQ, and we raised over $1,000 for the Friendship Animal Protective League; a non-profit organization that was of special significance to our friend and former employee Ken Moore.”

For more information or to see more photos from the June event, visit www.DesignEngineering.com, call 800-264-9472, or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To keep up with the very latest DEI products and DEI 2017 Cruise-In announcements, connect with DEI at Facebook.com/DEIcruisein.

Company is aggressively seeking reps and retailers; will provide comprehensive tools and resources

AVON LAKE, OHIO – June 6, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), foremost developer of thermal tuning and sound control solutions for the automotive aftermarket, announced that it has begun a campaign to better engage with and support specialist retailers in the mobile electronics industry. The goal of the campaign is to enable retailers and technicians to provide enhanced audio vibration control through use of the company’s Boom Mat line of sound-damping products.

As part of the campaign, the Avon Lake, Ohio–based manufacturer is expanding its sales reach with active recruitment of manufacturers’ representatives across the United States and Canada. Through these reps, the company plans to sign mobile electronics retailers to direct accounts, giving them access to the full Boom Mat line as well as its entire catalog of automotive aftermarket products. DEI will also proactively reach out to industry professionals and media with timely product and technical information.

“We are making a strong commitment to the mobile electronics community,” said Mike Zenone, Boom Mat brand manager. “We have a very solid history in the broader automotive aftermarket, and feel our strength is having the most complete product line available for retailers. We look forward to engaging with store owners and installers and showcasing the unique benefits of the Boom Mat brand.”

The Boom Mat line has been improved this year with the introduction of Boom Mat XL damping material. At 4mm thick, it provides superior noise damping while remaining flexible enough to adhere to irregular surfaces. The complementary Boom Mat Spray-On is ideal for reducing unwanted vibration in hard-to-reach areas. The company has also introduced the vehicle-specific sound-deadening headliner for the Jeep Wrangler, with two complete kits covering hard tops from 2007 to 2015.

To support installers, DEI is creating a technical support group through its Facebook page to address questions about application and selection of Boom Mat products for specific installs. The company will continue to expand its online video library to instruct installation technicians as well as promote the benefits of sound-damping and insulation products to consumers.

Retailers and manufacturers’ representatives who are interested can contact Mike Zenone at (800) 264-9472 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Product information can be found at www.boommat.com. 

DEI Holdings Inc., parent company to Directed Electronics, Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology, announced that its Chairman and CEO, Jim Minarik, has decided to retire on or before July 1. He will continue as Chairman of DEI’s Board of Directors.

Minarik’s decision to retire as DEI’s CEO will bring to a close his 40-year career as a full-time operating executive in the consumer electronics business. Minarik joined DEI as its CEO in 2000 when now Congressman Darrell Issa sold the business he started in 1982 (Directed Electronics). Minarik previously served as the CEO of Clarion Corporation of America from 1992-2000. He started his career at Altec Lansing Consumer Products.

Under Minarik’s leadership, Directed/DEI grew from being exclusively a vehicle security company to a diversified consumer electronics business, holding the No. 1 market share in both the vehicle security and remote start aftermarket with its famous Viper, Clifford and Autostart brands, as well as the home theater loudspeaker business with its Polk and Definitive Technology brands. During his tenure, the company acquired Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, Autostart, Astroflex, Trilogix, Directed Canada and Designtech International. It also became the exclusive hardware partner for Sirius Satellite Radio from 2004-2008, went public in 2005 on the NASDAQ, and then became private again in 2011 when it was principally acquired by Charlesbank Capital Partners, a $2 billion private equity fund based in Boston.

Michael Choe, President of Charlesbank, said, “Jim has been a very strong leader at DEI, serving as only the second CEO of the company since its founding in 1982. The board is grateful for his many contributions and his dedicated service as CEO over the last 15 years.”  The board of directors will conduct the process to choose Minarik’s successor and will consider internal and external candidates for the job.

"I've been privileged to lead one of the greatest teams and companies in the CE business over the past 15 years, but it's time to transfer DEI's helm to a new generation of leadership,” said Minarik. “I look forward to working with the board and management team during the transition period and to then continue as non-executive Chairman, being available as an advisor.” 

Additional information about DEI Holdings and Charlesbank can be found at http://www.deiholdings.com & http://www.charlesbank.com.