My car (MY97) has developed an irritating vibration noise between 3500 and 4000rpm. I believe I have tracked down the offending article as being the exhaust manifold heatshield, which appears to be literally rusting to bits.(It must get a lot of weathering coming through the radiator) The level of rust surprises me due to the amount of heat that must be present around there. Anyway, I thought - 'I'll just replace it - cant be more than about £40' - How naive. It turns out after speaking to the dealer that the sheilds comprise 4 separate pieces and would cost nearly £230 - without any of the necessary fasteners!.......Don't fancy that... So, does anyone know what the implications of completely removing all the shields would be? or at least have some other suggestions.

 

There's something in the SIDC about it; umm, here. May be a bit passed it now, though
You can put exhaust-wrap on, but it means taking the manifold off. Why not do that & port them at the same time ?

 

Thanks for the info - I might just do the porting thing on my week off. Better still - save up for a tubular stainless manifold.(Credit card wincing)

 

go for hks - lovely product. DOn't forget to heat wrap it.

 

take the old one off and use heat wrap,it will save you time and money

 

I just took mine off about a year ago, no probs as yet.

Justin

 

50 feet of heat wrap and sealant spray ordered and on its way.(I hope that'll be enough!)- Grinding wheels at the ready.