Hey are the heat shields under the stock exhaust really nessarry? I'm thinking of removing the heat shields from everything but the cats but need to know if im gonna fudge something up if I do this.

Oh and one other question if I may, What is the most likely culprit for an oil leak near the rear of the engine? When I downshift or wind her out I always get smoke billowing from where the cats. I'm thinking I have a leak somewhere in there and the oil is collecting inside the heat shield, but don't know where exactly to look. Oh and the pass side is clean but the driver side has seepage. but it's not that bad.

 

I don't think it would matter too much, I've had mine off since I first got my car. I kept the one's between the exhaust and underbelly though, as I'd hate to burn my floor up.

 

exhaust shields same as Rattaan...Your rear oil seal goin out? don't hear that one too much...

 

just keep it on, the less heat the better unless u have header wraps around it, that helps