Exhaust manifold & cat heat shield required?

[Clessie Lyle]

(2001 Camry - 4 cyl)

I recently had to get the front cat/exhaust manifold assembly replaced and since it was an aftermarket part I was told the heat shield doesn't fit on it anymore.

I searched around and it seems like most people say there isn't a big problem, but some say if the heat shield is covering the cat (which it is) then it's important to have it.

I was wondering if there's no problem leaving it off or if I should press the mechanic to add some kind of shield (and what kind of shield would they even be able to add?)

Thanks

[Hajoca]

The cat operates at very high temperatures. The heat is transmitted to your cabin floor and may damage plastic or rubber near by.

[Clessie Lyle]

Originally Posted by Hajoca

The cat operates at very high temperatures. The heat is transmitted to your cabin floor and may damage plastic or rubber near by.

To clarify, this is the front cat (the one directly connected to the exhaust manifold)

It looks like there is some kind of metal covering over the cat with this aftermarket assembly.

The exhaust manifold is pretty close to the alternator though.

[mr.nitro]

you can try the high temp wrap they use for headders, that should work just as well.

[Shawn_D]

Originally Posted by mr.nitro

you can try the high temp wrap they use for headders, that should work just as well.

That would most likely void the warranty on the parts, just as it does for headers and other exhaust components.

http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-...+void+warranty

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by Shawn_D

That would most likely void the warranty on the parts, just as it does for headers and other exhaust components.

http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-...+void+warranty

Errr... none of these Camrys should be under any kind of warranty anymore.

[Shawn_D]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Errr... none of these Camrys should be under any kind of warranty anymore.

Errr... many new parts come with warranties, do they not? I wasn't talking original Toyota warranty, dude! In any case, would you want your new exhaust parts to turn into Swiss cheese in a year?

[Hajoca]

Did you get the previous heat shield back??

Hold it up and see what interferes with the fit.

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Errr... none of these Camrys should be under any kind of warranty anymore.

Some aftermarket parts have lifetime warranty

[curry.style]

And the federal mandate on new car cat converters is 8yr/80k miles. I'm not to sure on aftermarket cats though.

[ghettosled]

i have an aftermarket cat on my 1996 camry and havent had the heat shields attached in 4 or 5 years.

so no, no problem leaving it off.