I remember an upgrade on my Golf GTI was to remove the dustshield from behind the discs and it worked, did not get any fade. Had a few scary instances of fade in my 97 Scoob. I know the brakes are crap but cant afford an upgrade other than pads, can the dustshield be removed to improve cooling?

 

yes they are held on by 3 bolts

 

So is taking them off ok long term ?
Or would you recommend them going back on after a track day ?

 

you can leave them off , most of the big brake kits require them to be taken off , I've never heard of anyone having any problems with them not being on.