Has anyone any experience of running their car without the large heat shield that sits above the exhaust?
I assumed it prevents accidental touching of a hot exhaust and perhaps reduce temperatures in the engine bay, but also wondering if it keeps the rear bumping from melting?
If you mean the one above the silencer -yes. I run without. I also run a wrapped Toyosport manifold, and a wrapped after-market cat and no nappies. I have a very cool engine compartment and back bumper compared to most I've seen.
When I got the car I didn't like how hot it was in the engine compartment, so I took measures.
As you say, it's an idiots' safety shield.
I had to cut mine off to take the manifold off fairly soon after I bought it and have been running without since then. I also did the same on my previous car for 50,000 miles. I haven't seen any problems with either.
@Carolyn (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=22891) , @ntm (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=24988) Thanks both for the replies, much appreciated.