I have a set of 1997 OEM headers. I no longer have the heat shields. I wonder if that really matters that much (I presume they are there for a reason/trunk and bulkhead heat transfer reduction). But, I also notice that Comptech and other headers do not have shields. Is there a difference the tube wall thickness of an aftermarket header that doesn't necessitate a heat shield or is the theory, "you are going modified, you can handle the heat"?
So, what do you metallurgists think?
So, what do you metallurgists think?