I know most of you leave off the top one and get a new manifold, but what about the one under it? I got mad and bent mine up, but unless something touches the manifold I don't see a reason to put it back. Is it ok to leave off or should I put it on?
#85027, "RE: Exaust mani heat shield." In response to Reply # 5
I noticed when I had a header on my car (no heat shield on that, but it was ceramic coated if that helps any..) the positive insulation terminal cover on the starter was a little brown, but it didn't compromise the terminal cover at all (as in it was still in one piece and doig it's job).
That is about the only negative effect I noticed from no heat shields.