Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

As most are, my head shields on my exhaust are rusty. Just had some of the exhaust replaced and I put in some new O2 sensors. Since then, the exhaust has started to rattle. Sounds awful!!!!!!!!!

I want to cut them all off (bolts rusted bad). But, I got to thinking about it, and not sure if I should.

My car is all stock, tranny and all. It has 111,XXX miles on it. Tranny does occasionally slip between 2nd and 3rd only(plan on adjusting brake band soon). So, it could be on it's way out. But no other signs of failure yet. Plan on getting 4.44's in about a year or so.

Here is my dilema, if I cut off the heat shields there will be more heat given off of the exhaust. Could the extra temps given from that heat up the tranny more and end up causing more problems with the tranny? Keep in mind, I'm in Northern Iowa. Temps don't get too high here.

Just looking for some opinions, but probably going to do it anyways because I can't stand the rattling!

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

I've removed mine with no adverse side effects. I'm sure many have done the same. Still have my muffler one though. That sombich rattles all the time but I haven't bothered to remove it.

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

I removed the muffler shield, but still have the tranny one. The trunk floor is noticably warmer after driving for a bit. I'd guess that highway driving isn't so bad, since the airflow will help cool things and keep the heat away. Stop and go city driving will give everything more time to heat soak.

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

Took mine off of the front pipes years ago due to the rattle. The floor gets hotter but not really noticeable. Only thing I worry about is catching grass on fire if I park over any long dry stuff like at the edge of a ball field.

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

That's what i was told as well but I've forgotten until just now. Honestly it's never been an issue with my car.

No hot floor, no fire grass and as for the trunk, well nobody rides in there too often so don't have to worry if it's warm or not. Could always lay something o lesten the heat under the carpet in the trunk.

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

I think posts here are talking about two different things. There are heat shields on the headers, y-pipes and catalytic converter. I wouldn't be afraid to remove any of these except for parking over combustible considerations. I personally would never remove the heat shields that attach to the body ABOVE the exhaust system and muffler. None of these rattle on any of my cars and the bolts have not rusted.

Lee

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

These are the ones I removed.

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

THESE are the ones I have had removed. Muffler one is next to go and then the header ones.. (getting a new exhaust and the shields just get in the way and are added weight..

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

I have them pretty much all removed. :D

Over the years, as different work was done, I've just removed them when handy. The big ones above the exhaust were actually removed by a Subaru specialist shop when they replaced the driveshaft since they were somewhat in the way (they had been mangled somehow). They said it was no big deal, maybe just a little more heat in the cabin.

Which is true, but it's only noticeable if you actually reach down and touch the carpet. So far so good as far as it affecting the transmission or anything, it's been about 3 problem-free years. :o

I agree with Lee though, I wouldn't go out of my way to remove those otherwise.

Re: Heat Shields- Pros and Cons
 

whats the easiest way of removing the shield above the muffler? mine's rattling like a tin of marbles.