Importance of heat shields???

[camip]

Are the heat shields that go between the exhaust and drive shaft really needed. There doesn't seem to be any wires or anything that can melt down there. So has anybody taken them out and had anything go wrong?

[MR 325]

They're not there to protect wiring, they're there to reduce heat to the driveshaft and interior of the car.

I'm willing to bet a bunch of people have run without them, it probably won't cause any issues.

[jw 325ic]

Ive had mine off for years but only because i kept having drivetrain problems. Once im sure everythings good im putting em back...

[camip]

Yeah my drive train is being weird also that's why I want to keep them off so I can check it with ease. Plus eta race car weight savings.

[mr.vang]

i'll leave it there for my safety. if the rear shaft do come loose and you're doing 70+mph on the hwy, its going to be a nasty scene.

[jc72]

i'll leave it there for my safety. if the rear shaft do come loose and you're doing 70+mph on the hwy, its going to be a nasty scene.

and you think a thin sheet-metal heatshield will protect you in any way if that happens?

[idanity]

i'll leave it there for my safety. if the rear shaft do come loose and you're doing 70+mph on the hwy, its going to be a nasty scene.

+^...
yah, id be more concerned with wheels comming off then a drivetrain.

i have driven with a drivetrain that had 1 bolt missing, and 2 bolts loose, and its a rattle can effect..theres lots of response and vibration that will make a normal person drive with caution and fix it prior to cruising 70+.


maybe your thinking of the episode of MYTHBUSTERS where they try to launch a car by its drivetrain ? ....if so...it just shoots the dt out the trunk...

that said...i've also taken out my heat sheilds for a bit of work on my drift car, and don't see a need for re-install...let me know if you want mine so you can double up for safety :)

[e30Villain]

I've had mine off for a year. No issues. Only reason i took mine out was because it was rusted to shit and i completely forgot to change it. THanks for the reminders :up:

[Herr Faust Schinken]

the PO didn't re install my heat shield when he did the manual swap , you can feel that the tunnel gets a little warmer than normal , and the window switches get hot