So is it? I would assume so since Dodge put it there for a reason... Going S3 this weekend, got a new lower heatshield and bolts for it but I hear its a PITA to install. If it comes to the point where we are questioning it would it be okay to leave it off? My friend has DEI wrap and we were thinking about wrapping the downpipe and some other things, maybe the 02 housing? If it gets wrapped could I go without the lower heatshield?
No its not needed. There is no substainable proof it is needed or not. Everyone has their "opinion" on it but I've yet to see facts and actual testing. My wife's S3 doesn't have upper nor lower heatshields. We have had "0" issues. When I take mine off its not going back on. People take heatshields off all the time on other vehicles when they go with aftermarket header(s), etc. On my previous DSM's I took the heatshields off. Not once did I have a problem due to them being off.
we have both lower sheilds off on cruiser and skittle and no problems. i know mario on his S3 doesnt have any sheilds and he doesnt have any problems.
ive seen quite a few coolent res melt from not having the upper heat sheild and i agree the lower one is not really needded
True they will melt. They tend to melt or dry rot/crack. My car didn't have the upper heathshield on for 1.5 years with no problems but I don't drive all over or beat on it constantly so I haven't experienced the melting/cracking myself. I recently put back the upper heatshield since I went back to the stock wga. I would upgrade the coolant resevoir to either Bwoody/DCR or AGP if it melted or cracked. For stock location Bwoody/DCR.
yeah my coolant resovar is up in the front so theres nothing to melt in the back, but on my wifes cruiser we just have the upper one on there and havent seen any problems, im planning on getting a Bwoody one to make her engine bay alittle more prettier since the stock one looks blan.
