Exhaust Manifold heat shield ?

[YayArea420]

I just noticed I am missing a couple bolts from the heat shield. I was wondering if I could just take of the heat shield? Will is affect anything if I take it off? Is there anything that will get too hot if it isn't on there?

 

[Rich24km]

yes you can take it off.

 

[BOOSTR]

I wouldn't take it off. Its there for a reason. You could blow out your a/c line and the affect the paint on the hood directly above it. But hey, its your car so do what you want. Take it off and polish it up with a buffer and some compound. It will look much better. Why do you want to look at a rusted Callaway exhaust manifold?

 

[YayArea420]

Well now that you put it that way, I don't really want to see a rusted mainfold. I just need some bolts to hold it on there. It is missing at least 4 bolts and it rattles pretty bad. Does anyone know the size and threading on the bolts? What compound should I use to get the best shine out of the heat shield?

 

[BOOSTR]

I'm not sure on the bolt size, but if you took one out and went to your local hardware store they could get you replacements. As far as compound goes, use 3M Rubbing compound. I used the fine cut, but I should have used the SuperDuty one. It just took longer with the fine cut. The shine doesn't last forever, but I found putting some Barkeepers Friend on a wet sponge brings it right back. That way you don't have to take it out to polish it so often. Put a light coat of wax on it after you buff it.