I don't know if "cheap" and "effective" go hand in hand. When I make SS upper radiator transfer tubes, I charge more than $100. The silicone hose for the ends is pricey and so is the SS tubing. If I were to make a sheild similar to the Sparco Evo piece, that would easily be over $100. Each solution is labor intensive.
If you have some sketches that you'd like me to look, at just PM me.
Darin

 

i don't know if there are any noticable improvements and what not... but it's defintely good for hose longevity which i think is why the sparco evo shields their samco piece. silicon is better for heat reisstance but rubber is definitely not gonna last forever with high water temps inside plus high exhaust manifold temps outside particularly with tubular manis.