Just changed my oil and while under the car noticed the heatshield that's bolted around the exhaust downpipe (header?) is rusted and probably rattles a lot as it's fairly loose.
Is there any problem if I just take it off?

 

I am no expert mate but i de-catted my car and i did not put it back on i cannot tell any diff but like i said i am no expert......

 

had my car serviced by subaru a month ago and it turns out my heat shield is missing.
Iv read some where that a decated scooby need the heat shield modding or removed.

 

Keep them to avoid intercooler heatsoak.

 

As John banks has said, there a lot better left on due to reducing heat soak.

 

I could do with renewing it I suppose.....or, I wonder if I could wrap it in that heat reflective tape to secure it??? Does that sound OK????

 

Doh i will put mine back on then...

 

I have put mine back on now, I took mine off when I fitted my de-cat because it would not go back on. If you look down in the left hand corner next to the turbo you will see a pipe for the power steering rack. My pipe burst and sprayed onto the turbo when i was driving and end up with nice flames out of the bonnet. It did not cause much damage just burnt plastics, dont know if it was because I took it off but i bet it did not help,