i just put on a SMC short shifter last night, and i put it on the lowest possible setting. I followed the instructions using Cheston's "how to" page on his site, and the shifter rubs the heat shield pretty good (when reinstalled). I tried hammering down a spot on the heat shield so it doesnt rub, but it didnt work. Anyway, how important is it to have on the heat shield? If i were to completely leave it off would it melt stuff under my car (ie. rubber stuff on shifter)?? Should i dremel out a hole in the middle of it, or is this the same as leaving off the whole heat shield? If i cut a hole in it.. the hole is going to have to be very large, which is pretty much the same thing as not even having it on. Thoughts?? suggestions??

thanks,
ryan

 

I grappled with this question too. On the short setting, I honestly believe that there is no way you are going to bang the shield to where it doesn't hit the shifter and doesn't obstruct the cat. I took others advice on the org and left it off. I have to say that after several banging attempts to make the heat shield work, it was so mangled a piece that even were I to cut a hole, I'd be afraid it would bang up against the exhaust making noise. No problems with it off so far. Shifter does not seem to get warm at all...

 

yea, those are my thoughts exactly. I already beat the crap out of my heat shield, and not only does the thing not fit right with the shifter, but it doesnt even fit right in conjunction with the rest of my exhaust. I finally decided to go ahead like you did, and just go without it. So far, so good i guess. Its only been a day, but no problems yet.

Thanks man!
ryan

 

I am thinking of doing mine too, have u seen any problems yet??