EvenStar

What are the pros and cons of removing it? I feel like running without them (cools down car temperature faster).

Homesickelian

from what I know, there are no downsides. I took mine off a while ago cause I had to go at the O2 sensor and I haven't noticed a change. Check some other posts. I'm pretty sure there was another one that discussed something similar to what you asked not to long ago.

JimBlake

Possible downsides are excess heat from the exhaust. But that depends on your driving habits...

The heat shield under the catalyst is good in case you ever park over some dry grass or leaves. Don't set your car on fire.

The heat shield above the exhaust prevents the hot exhaust from setting fire to the soundproofing tar on the underside of the car. Also keeps from overheating the wiring harness inside the console.

If you always drive in 'highway' conditions, there's always air blowing over everything which keeps it cooler. But if you get stuck in traffic a lot, you may want to keep those shields.

YMMV...

sony224422

i would keep it on. i don't see why you'd want to take it off if it risks setting your car on fire.

JimBlake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sony224422 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i would keep it on. i don't see why you'd want to take it off if it risks setting your car on fire.</TD></TR></TABLE>The risk is pretty small, and lots of people have taken their heatshields off. Including me after it rusted apart on my '95 Integra.

But still thought I should mention it so you people can be aware & each make up your own mind.

Homesickelian

I've had it off for a year and there are no repurcussions. The only one that could catch fire is if you take off the catalytic shield. The one over the exhaust is fine and I don't drive like a wimp...

sony224422

what are the advtanges of taking it off? I just painted mine and left it, and i painted the hand and caution thing. I personally like it over the rusty header

EvenStar

I drive slow like a granny... so would that matter?

Btw, you did mean the heat shield over the headers is fine to remove, correct?

JimBlake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EvenStar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I drive slow like a granny... so would that matter?

Btw, you did mean the heat shield over the headers is fine to remove, correct?</TD></TR></TABLE>That one shields the radiator from the heat. If the plastic frame for the radiator fan starts to show damage from the heat, then put the shield back on. Or maybe the paint on the underside of your hood.

Just use common sense & watch for heat damage.

Homesickelian

yeah, the exhaust manifold I meant. I haven't had any radiator damage or hood damage.
Often if you have to do work to the exhaust manifold or O2 sensor when you take it off, the bolts snap. You probably can get more space if you need to do any work in that area to. Also the manifold can rattle if it becomes loose at any time.

It's up to you, if you have no problems, leave it. If you do have problems, or need space, take it off.

When I mention I drive fast, I'm getting at the fact that I heat up the manifold pretty fast, etc. So driving like a granny wouldnt change much.

Papoose

IMO the heat shield (if rusted badly) makes too much noise. it's worth keeping it on if in good condition and in fairly good shape. if worn and rusty it will fall off even if you wanted to keep it on.

i'd say replace it with a new or slightly used one if you plan to keep it on for a good while.

joc1394

After 3+ years, if you still have the car, how's this going Homesickelian? Anyone else with experience?

My Cat's heat shield rusted away until it finally fell off several months ago. I've had no problems yet from that.

Recently I was replacing the downpipe on my 92 Accord EX (F22A6) and I snapped the head off one of the bolts that holds the heat shield onto the 4-2 exhaust manifold/headers. My question is, will the manifold crack when its hot and gets wet or such while driving? Will it harm the bearings in something like my nearby alternator? 80% of my driving is highway, but its the 20% city that I'm concerned about as far as heating and cooking bearings/alternators.

Any tips/suggestions/experience would be appreciated. I'll live with the rattle of the heat shield if I have to put the shield back on.

uberEFtuner

On my 91 civic hatch I had a full exhaust with no heat shields for 3 years and no problems. I also removed them off the old stock header too with no problems. I drove it that way for 2 years.

I really don't know the purpose of them except keeping the interior of the car cool, the floor would get hot by the shifter after lots of driving. But still no problems!

shortlid

Ya, the exhuast manifold heat shield on my '99 Accord EX 4 cyl. 5-speed, sedan is rattling at certain rpm. I was thinking of just trying to tighten down the heat sheild vs. removal. When I removed the one on my wifes '99 Civic EX sedan it started cracking the hood paint! But it did not have under hood insulation

02 accord

Honda engineers put in heat shields for a reason. It's probably best to keep them on.

slamstrom

It is to protect the surrounding area from the heat source. (i.e., wiring harness, hoses....)

+1.

HonBeer

Honda engineers put in heat shields for a reason. It's best to keep them on.

joe_accord23

i had the heat shield on when i had the stock headers, but i added aftermarket headers so i dnt have it on anymore, i also added a hi flow cat no shield either.....i hav had no problems with it.

bob111146

The heat shield on the tailpipe or muffler of my 2001 Honda Accord 4 cylinder car fell
off. Is it dangerous to ride without it?

Is it dangerous to ride without the heat shield on the tailpipe or muffler of a 2001 Honda Accord 4 cylinder car?

chikin pickle

Yes, to keep idiots from getting third degree burns off the manifold.

The heat shield is just that, a heat shield. It keeps some heat out of the engine bay. The reality of the matter is, there is no heat shield on the down pipe, underneath the oil pan, or in the part of the bay where the exhaust goes through to hook up the cat.

Does anyone really think for a minute that if the turbo guys setups (which soak up waaaaaay more heat than your puny factory exhaust ever will) don't run heat shields then it's probably okay for you too.

bob111146

The heat shield on the tailpipe or muffler of my 2001 Honda Accord 4 cylinder car fell off. Is it dangerous to ride without it?

Is it dangerous to ride without the heat shield on the tailpipe or muffler of a 2001 Honda Accord 4 cylinder car?

bob111146

The heat shield on the tailpipe or muffler of my 2001 Honda Accord 4 cylinder car fell

off. Is it dangerous to ride without it?

Is it dangerous to ride without the heat shield on the tailpipe or muffler of a 2001

Honda Accord 4 cylinder car?

specialone70

i took mine off because it looked awful and i wanted to get rid of any front weight i could. i havent noticed any problems. but i have also thought that it must be there for a reason so i check on it every so often.

02 accord

Weight? What did you save, 1/4 lb?

nus_dogg

No, it's not dangerous but may melt somethings. Just help the heat down from heating up the bottomside of the car above the muffler.