Header wrap in lieu of heat shields?

[hankosolder2]

I was wondering if anyone has tried removing rattling Y-pipe heat shields off and replacing them with header wrap (that high temp synthetic fabric stuff.)

 

I think GD once mentioned that removing heatshields might lead to low cat efficiency codes due to the converter not staying hot enough. And it seems like anything that raises under hood temperatures might not be A GOOD THING, so I'm inclined to put something on there instead of just ditching them all together.

 

Also, would small oil leaks dribbling on the header wrap pose a greater fire risk than the same leaks on the heat shields? (I'm just thinking that oil could soak in to the wrap, accumulate and cause smoke/fire.)

 

Thoughts?

 

Nathan

[Legacy777]

I have taken the heat shields off the header pipes on my 97 Impreza and haven't put anything back on. I haven't gotten any codes or had any issues.

 

The header wrap would help keep the heat in. I'm not sure about the oil dripping and whether that presents a real problem or not.