Safe Speed Forums

Alright all.

Nissan Micra (year 2000). Heat Shield is gone.

Best to get it replaced or do without. Ive looked round the net and most information I find suggests its not critical to replace.

Is this between the cat and the floorpan?

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Paul Smith
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Not familiar with the Micra but lots of cars have them round the top of the exhaust manifold. IF so, mine rusted away many years ago and I never replaced it. Manufacturers don't normally fit them for decoration so it must do SOMETHING but in our Northern climes, I took a gamble and left mine off with no ill effects.

The heat shield reduces the heat transfer from the exhaust to other components like the inlet manifold. You might find the car hard to restart in warm weather or runs poor in heavy traffic.

When the cast iron exhaust is removed from tr4's and stainless fitted it is recomended that you fit a heat sheild or wrap the exhaust in insulation.

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code

the heat shield also, in many cases, provides a source of warm air, via ducting, to the air filter intake.

In multipoint EFI its lack is not a big issue. but with single point injection (and carbureted systems, for those that still drive proper cars) its absence can lead to quite nasty icing problems in damp weather.

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"The road to a police state is paved with public safety legislation"