i have a rattle around 3k rpm when its shifting to the next gear. it rattles constantly and doesn't go away until i either surpass 2500-3500 rpm. i have been told it might be my heat shield and i should get them removed? any suggestions or comments?

also... i have had my car for a while and sometimes the belts squeak a little bit and i don't think anything of it because its just the belts squeaking. Then yesterday i started my car up twice and both times it squealed profusely and didn't go away for a solid ten seconds. immediately following the squealing i smelled burnt rubber. is it possible that the belt is slipping and if so which belt is it?

 

i would just replace all the belts once you head squeeling from the belts..belts are worn..just do all and save yourself the hassle.
as for the rattleing...your gonna have to get a flash light and narrow it down or let your mechanic check it out. could just be the tensioner for the belts or any number of things.

 

heat shield or exhaust bracket...remove either or both. Change belts or tighten.

 

I have a UDP and my AC belt squealed from day one until car is warmed p.