exhaust heat shield required?
 

is it necessary to have the 2-piece heat shield thingy that covers my catalytic converter on my exaust system? i know it doesnt affect the performance or workings of it in any way, but do i need it to shield any heat or anything?

the one on the top is a good thing, as it will keep the floor cooler.... the one on the bottom isnt that important, mine broke off when i was working on the car, so i just left it off, just make sure you dont park over any dry leaves or your car might go boom :)

but at least the bottom one can go no problem, id leave the top if you can, just to reduce floor temps

I took mine off because one of the bolts broke on one making a very annoying clunking sound as I drove... made it sound like I was driving a beater around. :D

I had mine off on one of the car. It started to get this burned rubber smell on hot days. Oh your floor carpet will get extra baggie too;.

I've had all of them removed since the tranny swap. The floor is noticebly warmer. But its also 105 degrees outside, and I have no A/C so I really don't care. And next winter I'm sure I won't mind either. I did have the "Overheating Exhaust" come on when I was testing the car in the driveway. I was like... wow. *and in an n/a!*
I've never seen the light while on the road though.

105 in south dakota?? damn, didn't know that was even possible. well i know what you're going through, 114 yesterday and I never use A/C:D