Removing heat shield from stock headers on 5g

4097 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by playrudeVTEC, May 22, 2001

Kool-Lude

Discussion Starter · Mar 26, 2001

First of all, is it really a "heat shield" or just a cover to "cover-up" those ugly and rusty headers? If it is diverting the heat, where is it going...back to the headers and out the exhaust (is this good) or just simply keeping the heat off of the surrounding hoses and radiator. Also, with it on, does it lower the temp in the engine bay..and vice versa...explain how.

Please help..the reason I ask is because I reomoved mine yesterday to see what my headers looked like. While removing the bottom bolt on the cover, it began to bind. After a grueling battle with it, and cut-up knuckles, it finally came off with the help of good-old WD40. But the threads on the bolt were distroyed. I didn't see if the female-end threads were ok because I thought I would just leave it off. But now I'm thinking twice.

Any input would be very appreciated. Thanks.

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Kool-Lude

Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 26, 2001

Anyone..anyone..

Sorry for the lack of patience, but if its needed, I want to try and put that thing back on before I drive my daily commute from hell. Thanks.

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baked

· #3 · Mar 26, 2001

The heat shield is functional. I would consider the benefits to be barely noticable though.

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Kool-Lude

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 26, 2001

Originally posted by baked:
The heat shield is functional. I would consider the benefits to be barely noticable though.

Thanks baked. If I'm not going to put on aftermarket headers, maybe just port and polish eventually, then would you say try to put it back on..even if it may be difficult to rethread one bolt(potentially may have to tap(or die?)it? Btw, I just weighed it - about 2lbs, so with it off its a slight weight reduction I guess.

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Gabe

· #5 · Mar 26, 2001

Originally posted by Kool-Lude:
If I'm not going to put on aftermarket headers, maybe just port and polish eventually, then would you say try to put it back on

If you P&P your head you should definately get aftermarket headers. What good is better flow throught the head if it gets bottle necked in the headers? Plus if you think you saved some weight by taking that shield off you should see how much the stock header weighs.

Gabe

------------------
97 Prelude
see it here:Hondaprelude.com

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Kool-Lude

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 26, 2001

Originally posted by Gabe:
Plus if you think you saved some weight by taking that shield off you should see how much the stock header weighs.

Now you've got my attention...How much?

[This message has been edited by Kool-Lude (edited March 25, 2001).]

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Gabe

· #7 · Mar 26, 2001

The stock header probaly weights at least 20 lbs more than aftermarket headers. The difference between the two in terms of weight is night and day. I still have my stock header lying around here maybe I should weigh it.

Gabe

------------------
97 Prelude
see it here:Hondaprelude.com

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Kool-Lude

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 26, 2001

Gabe... ya, weigh that thing. I'm shocked if what you say is true. 20 lbs more??. That sucker is coming off ASAP!!!

Btw, talking about weight...I just weighed my resonator(intake) and part of the tubing -its about 4.5 lbs. The heat shield was 2 and half the windshield wiper fluid was 3.5. Total of 10 lbs. I think I'm going on a liquid diet tomorrow so I can lose 10 lbs. Total reduction would be 20...and thats before I put on the aftermarket header. Wow!

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· #9 · Mar 26, 2001

Just make sure you get a stainless header then. They are the lighter than mild steel headers.

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Billy
North Texas Prelude Owners Group
www.ntpog.org

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A Crew

· #10 · Mar 26, 2001

w/o the heat shield, would part of the hood warp after a while?

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Where'd you go? I was ONLY in 3rd...
Mmmmm - Girl scout cookies - made with real girl scouts!

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Kool-Lude

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 26, 2001

Originally posted by A Crew:
w/o the heat shield, would part of the hood warp after a while?

Alright, now I'm starting to worry...can someone please tell me the funtion of the header cover. Is it really a "heat shield" - whats it shielding the heat from? Where does the heat go?

[This message has been edited by Kool-Lude (edited March 25, 2001).]

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playrudeVTEC

· #12 · May 22, 2001

wrap em then!

if ur worried about heat and weight, why dont you just wrap em ???

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