Yeah, the line is kinda in the way. I was concerned that I'd have to disconnect stuff, but then I kept moving it around and was able to pull the heat shield out, but it did make a teeny scratch. I was like, what the heck, I've gone this far and a little scratch down there won't be so bad. (I did sand it down though.) Anyway, after it was painted and I went to put it back, the shield slid right down into place with no problems, no scraping. Pretty sweet. And yeah, the header is kinda gross. I'm much happier leaving the freaking heat shield there to do its job.

 

Well, I won't be doing this after all, a DC sports header will make it's way into my engine bay soon so the heat shield will be a thing of the past

 

the heatsheild actually does serve a pretty simple purpose... to sheild heat from the rest of your engine. I've heard from some guys who took theirs off that wires and hoses closest to that area began to melt and I'm sure the under hood temperature would greatly increase. I'd leave the exhaust manifold alone and just maybe touch up the heat sheild with a new coat of black or silver paint... If there wasn't a specific purpose for it being there then i doubt honda would put it on just to cover their ass.

 

well, when you replace the header, it doesnt have the threaded holes to remount the heat shield, if im correct. as many people that have headers, I have hardly ever heard of any adverse affects from removing the shield.

 

there is none. The temperature in the engine bay only increases slightly. I've seen 4th and 5th gens w/o heat sheilds and it doesnt look nice at all. we only got an F series engine -_- SOHC why worry? it looks a lot cleaner with the sheild on

 

Im getting a DC sports header, as much as it costs, I want it to be seen when I pop the hood

 

a ceramic based high heat paint (1200 degree) on the heat shield will actually reduce temps jsut a tad...just spray it on thick.