I'm currently installing a header in my car. And I noticed that my heat shield bolts are kinda rusted. I was gonna go get some new ones, but I was wondering... Do I really need my heat shield? I know a few people who just took them out of their cars and theirs run fine. Just wondering

I have a 93 honda civic dx coupe

 

My thought is that if it's there, it was meant to be there. That said, I have seen people roll without them.

I'd guess that if you leave the car idling at a stop for a while, the paint on your hood will start to burn off from the heat.

 

well the idle thing isnt going to burn the paint off... look at all the people with headers and turbos

the main thing the heat shield is there for is to keep from burning yourself AS BAD. its still going to be HOT but not as hot as i direct touch. if the shield bolts are only rusted i would simply remove them, clean them up and slap some high temp paint on them. and maybe the heatshield as well if its rusty or ugly. but i must highly sugest SILVER or BLACK ONLY PLEASE!

just be sure to use the 1500degree paint. the 500degree paint will burn right off around the upper header! been there burned it right off.

 

Alright thanks guys

 

i took mine off and have had no problem. even with fresh paint on the car

 

how were you planning on putting the heat shield on an aftermarket header anyway?

 

Haha yeah I kinda realized it after I posted the thread lol. Sorry guys. But at least I learned something new today