The heat shield on my high-flow cat is come unwelded in a few places, and makes an annoying rattling sound, moreso when the car is warmed up. My question is this - until I have a replacement, what harm is their in tearing the shield off? What type of heat do they generate? Thx in advance.

 

I'd like to know that, it's annoying. A coat hanger worked for a while to hold it in place, but eventually worked itself loose.

 

I drove mine with no shield for a few months and I didn't notice any problems. I'm guessing under heavy driving you might melt your carpet, but I don't know - I never tried to remove my carpet.