How Important is the Exhaust Heat Shield?

chris_rd92 · Post by **chris_rd92** » Wed Feb 09, 2022 6:08 pm

Hi guys,

So then... Today I took my rear bumper off my 5th gen bb8 thinking it would be easier to get to my fog light wiring, as I'm wiring it into the drivers side reverse light for my JDM rear bumper. It was at this point I spotted a bit of rust developing on the boot floor behind the exhaust backbox heat shield, and so this tuned into a massive job of removing the standard backbox (with completely seized bolts) and then removing the heat shield. Thankfully, the rust on the boot floor is pretty minor so I was able to simply scrape it back, treat, and protect it.

However. My exhaust heat shield literally crumbled in my hands when I took it off. I inspected all the other heat shields running under the car, and the next one along seems to be on it's way out too, but the others nearer the front of the car are mint.

So my question is this. Does the backbox really emit enough heat to cause concern if I didn't bother refitting the shield? Has anyone gone without it for an extended period of time? Personally I'd like to just rip it all off and forget about it as I plan on having a custom stainless system made up this year anyway. I should also point out that this car is my daily driver.

Cheers
Chris

Post by **vanzep** » Wed Feb 09, 2022 8:45 pm

I would say it is not a massive issue not to have the backbox heat shield.
Ive had Preludes 4th and 5th as daily drivers where this has crumbled and been removed. Currently my 4th gen has parted ways with it but still in place on my 5th gen but looking pretty rusty so its days are numbered.
Others have track ludes with this removed (and other sections of the exhaust heat shields) without issue.
I guess the only possible issue might be on a very, very hot day and if you have a fuel leak at the same time there might be a slightly increased risk.

Another upside is it helps lighten the lude a bit

chris_rd92 · Post by **chris_rd92** » Wed Feb 09, 2022 9:09 pm

That was basically my thought! Cheers for the advice, I'll leave it off

Post by **vanzep** » Wed Feb 09, 2022 11:00 pm

i think that's the right decision...if you left it on it would start to rattle away at some point and youd have to take the back box off again

Post by **Merlin** » Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:19 am

Yeah I wouldn't worry about it, it will be fine.

Scott560 · Post by **Scott560** » Fri Feb 11, 2022 11:53 am

Mine crumbled away some time ago - i removed it to stop a rattle.

The interior boot floor after a track was hot enough to cook an egg on. Normal driving its fine, freaking insane driving could cause trouble for the rubber blocks under the boot wood/floor bit. It would be nice to make a replacement, the originals are no longer available (Last time i looked, the midsection was available).

Post by **Vtecmec** » Fri Feb 11, 2022 1:20 pm

I've been making heat shields recently, this stuff is easy to work with.

https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/embossed- ... 00mmx500mm