How important is the muffler/gas tank shielding? It is a pain in the butt to R and R, and am wondering if it is safe to run the car without it? Is there that much heat generated by the muffler that the gas tank needs shielding or, is the shielding most important in keeping debris from hitting and potentially damaging the gas tank.
TIA
-Andrew

 

I was wondering about this too, my heatshield isn't installed and I was thinking about the consequences. I would imagine it's not nessesary, but cheap insurance in case of an event.