Last weekend I installed a new Y-pipe and STS among other things. I had a BIG rattle below the shifter. I used my dremel tool to cut a hole in the cat heat shield to prevent the STS from hitting it. That cut down on 90% of the noise. But now, at 2K-2.4K RPM there is a rattle under there. Plus after the car's warmed up, it will rattle a little at idle. I have read that some of you have totally removed the heat shield above the cat. I wanted to get an update if any of you have had problems as a result of this action or if all is well still. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Aaron

 

While I haven't removed the shield you're referring to, I still have and notice the same noise you describe. Although my feeling is that it's coming from the mounting bracket between the Y pipe and the cat. From what I recall the heat shield did not come close to contacting anything so I didn't even consider removing it. I could be wrong though.

 

I just bought an RT cat and I wanted to know if I should have the heat shield put back on when I get my cat and Y pipe installed?

 

I have had my short shifter for over 6 months with no problems from no heatshield. Dave B has had his for much longer and has had no problems either.

 

it is not unusual to hear a little bit more noise

 

Mine has been off for about 2 months or so. Nothing happened so far. The summer will be the real test I guess.

SuDZ

 

I busted mine replacing the rear O2 sensor. Just as long I'm not near any dry grass I'll be safe.

 

Aside from additional heat radiating into the interior (while the car's at a standstill - not good if you're stuck in traffic a lot)

-the only other thing you might consider is that the poly bushing in the bottom of the STS linkage may deteriorate a little prematurely with unshielded heat exposure from the catalytic converter. Depending on how short you have it adjusted, the bottom linkage is pretty close to the top of the cat.

The jury's out on this, but I think the theory holds water. That cat gets REEEEEALLY HOT!