Exhaust heat shields

[Natty]

Is it bad to remove the heat shield from the exhaust system underneath the car?
I removed the one under my cat becuase it was damaged and rattling. There is also another one between the cat and the downpipe (or whatever it is called, it's a stock KA). I was going to remove it because it is badly damaged and it rattles, but it has one on the top as well.

[LA_phantom_240]

The one on top ya gotta be careful not to let anything hang too close to it.. other than that,... they suck balls and rattle like all hell..

[teamslut]

i got the same question but about the heat shield for the manifold. one of the screws broke in the mani and now it rattles. its pissin me off. just wondering if it would be safe to remove it.

[Nuisance Crew]

I've removed mine, and wrapped it with Exhuast Insulating Wrap, I believe made by thermotech. I got a 2" x 50' roll, and wraped from the manifold down to the cat. It really does the trick, it was like 65 or 70 bucks. Here's a tip though, when you install it, wear some kind of protection over your mouth, and a long sleeve shirt, there's lots of dust fibers that come off, and you don't want to breath them in, or get it on your skin becase it itches a little like fiberglass insulation.

[LA_phantom_240]

I've removed mine, and wrapped it with Exhuast Insulating Wrap, I believe made by thermotech. I got a 2" x 50' roll, and wraped from the manifold down to the cat. It really does the trick, it was like 65 or 70 bucks. Here's a tip though, when you install it, wear some kind of protection over your mouth, and a long sleeve shirt, there's lots of dust fibers that come off, and you don't want to breath them in, or get it on your skin becase it itches a little like fiberglass insulation.

FYI: it IS fiberglass insulation. lol

[g6civcx]

I replaced the heat shield between the cat and the underbody with a new factory unit. I feel that it does help shield the interior from heat.

I recommend keeping the manifold shield because it will keep your brake fluid from boiling. I also run a Megan heat shield for the brake reservoir.

[HalveBlue]

I've removed both the manifold heat shield and the exhaust heat shield. I've experienced no problems whatsoever.

[D1champ]

I don't have any sheilds on my car, nor any carpeting. I will say that there is a fair bit of head transfer into the floor from either the tranmission or the exhaust. It get so hot in there I don't even run the heater when it gets chilly outside cuz I'm busting sweat beads in the car....I usually have to drive the car with windows and sunroof open.

[Natty]

If anyone still cares....
I went to remove both heat shields today and even after lots of PB blaster almost every bolt snapped. I was still able to get it off easily but I wanted to hammer it out and then replace it. I'll try it without and if it gets hot, I'll gte new bolts and replace it.

[projectRDM]

I remove them on most cars since they're already loose, but you will notice a little more heat transmitted into the car. The benefit though is when you're driving there's more airflow directly on the exhaust, so it cools it a little better than with the shield in place. In other words, the overall heat is increased, but the cooling effect is as well so you only notice it at a standstill.