heat shield on the crossover pipe

[Bat Out of Hell]

When I did my head gaskets on my 96 monte 3100, I didn't put the heat shield on my crossover pipe that connects the two manifolds below the throttle body. I needed the room to work and I just simply forgot to put it on when I could have done it easily. My question is do I need this shield or can I run the car without it? If I need to put it on It will have to be Sunday (that's my nearest day off). Is it ok to drive it until then?

Thanks!!!

[jmgtp]

I'd say that you need to put it on. It sheilds a lot things from the radiant heat coming off the crossover. You have fuel lines above it, your rubber intake tube, wiring, etc. It is worth having on there.

That said, I don't think its an emergency that you need to run out and do it right now. Should be fine to drive for a few days. I'm using 3400 exhaust manifolds on my LX9 and made a similar mistake. I put the crossover on without fitting the shield loosely over it first. It was a pain to get on with crossover already bolted down but it is doable.

[ga2001532]

I don't have my rear sheild on haven't had it on for a year and a half.

[robertisaar]

the bottom half of all of my shields have rotted off.... top half is still there though, which is the more important part IMO.

[pocket-rocket]

the bottom half of all of my shields have rotted off.... top half is still there though, which is the more important part IMO.

Cept he isn't stupid, lol. But yeah, I agree, the upper is the more important part since heat rises.