heatshield

[couttsdesign]

How important is the heatshield under the car between the driveshaft and exhaust? After installing the 5 speed the heatshield no longer fits without some modification and i'm considering just leaving it off entirely. i've read that some coupes don't even have this heatshield so that is why I'm considering leaving it off, just want to check with this forum first.

 

[x_atlas0]

I know that without it, my shifter got mighty toasty in the summer.

 

[sfdon]

Driving through Texas 3 years ago in the summer I finally pulled out the digital voltmeter and temperature gauge and found that the seatbelt bracket was a toasty 145 degrees.
I remember calling the wife and telling her I didn't feel too good from the heat.
My coupe now has working AC and a custom heat shield fabricated from a later model BMW shield.

Still wouldn't want to drive acroos Texas in the summer but just fine for NorCal.