Im in the process of replacing my extremely rusted catalytic converter heat shield. The problem is that one of the bolts is extremely rusted and stripped pretty easily (the cover is not attached to the bolt because it broke off a little while ago). I got the other three bolts and the cover is off. Im going to get a bolt extractor for the other one.

My question is can I drive without the heat shield or is it any sort of hazard because of the high temps. Im planning on a long trip this weekend.
Thanks.
edit: i just did some searches and found that its ok to drive without it - what would be the best method of taking off that rusted stripped bolt - ive never drilled a bolt before and was wondering if it was difficult

 

Can you just grind off one end of the bolt and knock it out?

 

Heat shield only protects from other objects touching your cat since it's very hot. One side on my integra rusted off couple of mths ago so I ripped the other side off and the pain in the ass noise went away. It won't have any effect on the operation of the vehicle, just try not to park on a patch of leaves lol.

 

It's threaded.