I have finally located the source of the excessive bass-induced rattle in my car. It's the heat shield that goes over the cats, etc. My question is, should I remove this item, or is there another (free to very,very cheap) way to resolve this problem? If I remove it, what would be the drawbacks (ie- carpet discoloration/bursting into flames)? I plan to eventually add headers and 2.25" dual straight pipes if that makes a difference.

 

Screws? Pop-rivets? I've removed the ones UNDER the cats, but always kept the ones OVER the exhaust to avoid the "toasty" feet syndrome.

I do have to be careful about parking over dry grass.

 

don't we all ,