Do i really need the large heat shield?

#1

Removed the exhaust and long heat shield covering the driveshaft so i can pull the tranny. Question: Do I/should I re-install the heat shield? Does it actually do anything? Does it protect the driveshaft? It just seems a bit unneccesary. Thoughts?

#2

I don’t have it. Carter didn’t appear to have it on his in the exhaust video either.

#3

I’ve been wondering the same thing. There are two more behind that one yet as well. Do most people have them or leave them out?

#4

Some say the center support bearing won’t last as long without the heat shield. That said, I don’t have one.

#5

It offers the potential advantage of containing the driveshaft if there is a failure, it doesn’t weight much, takes 10 minutes to take off - we have ours on both cars.
Ed

#6

Novel idea…what do the rules say?

Seriously we’ve been down this road so many times that we can all recite chapter and verse.Something like, “If the rules don’t say you can, then you can’t.”

Regards, Robert Patton

#7

The rules say that the shielding can be removed:

9.3.4.3 Original factory installed exhaust heat shields may be removed.

I’ve just removed mine for a weight savings of about 7lbs.

Steven

#8

9.3.4.3 Original factory installed exhaust heat shields may be removed.

#9

Thanks for the rules numbers.

I apologize to Dan. His question was about their function, which can be debated. Here is my vote (x3 cars), just leave 'em in. The reason: 'cause they look good?

Regards, Robert Patton

#10

Patton,

Any chance we will see you at VIR in March?

#11

Jon, not to change this thread, but the short answer is no, other committments. Thanks for asking.

Now back to the heat shield discussion…leave-in or take out?

Regards, Robert Patton

#12

Sorry to dig up an old thread.

My car came off jack stands today for the first time in about 6 months. I put a new driveshaft in and I left off the heat shields as per this thread. i took the car for a little ride about 20 mins and inside the car the trans tunnel is hot to the touch. I can hold my hand there for about 3 sec before I have to remove it.

For the rest of you that have the heat shield remove does your trans tunnel get that hot?

#13

A PO ditched the heat shields way before I got my car, so they’ve never been a consideration. When I’m in the car I have nomex gloves on and have no need to touch the tunnel, so I have no idea how hot it might get and could care less. I can say that it doesn’t get hot enough to bubble Rustoleum paint…

Cliff Notes version: I don’t think this is an issue on a race car.

#14

It’s even hotter on the passenger side. Will melt rubber off shoes.

#15

thanks guys

#16

Dan,

Glad to see there is progress on the car again.
The heat shields are off on my car and I haven’t noticed the paint blistering on the trans tunnel yet.
Are we going to see you at any events this year?

Bob

#17

Bob,

Unfortunately, I don’t think so. At least not as a participant.
Finding a job that does not involve a 40% pay cut is taking longer than I thought.

I got tired of the car sitting on jack stands. So I put in the OEM Seat and bolted on the fenders just so I could drive it around the block.

Cage is in minus the door bars
Just really need the seats, harness, Fire suppression, and my personal safety gear ohhh and lots of track time