Quickie, Mk1 1.6 exhaust shields underbody...

[neil_bolton]

Mine are ratting, as the bolt holes have rusted away, and it's the one that is between the ground and the exhaust (if I'm right and wasn't too hungover) - not a heatshield in the tradional sense - more a exhaust shield for splashes I presume?

Can anyone tell me if I need it, and what the proper name of it is so if I do need it, I can buy a replacement?

Ta muchly

[OnlyMX5ives]

There is one on the downpipe which can be secured with a jubilee clip.

The only other one is on the CAT.

Designed to either stop it setting fire to dry grass or to prevent thermal shock from puddles, depending who you believe - many cars are running without it.

[franv8]

I took mine off years ago. Not an issue IMHO. Besides, when have you seen an aftermarket exhaust with them?

[SimonSaid]

One of the more experienced chaps on the MX5 forum (Geoff Walton) advised me numrous times not to worry about these shields as they tend to corrode, rattle around, and aren't particularly necessary. As mentioned above many people run without them and have no problems doing so.

[neil_bolton]

Cheers chaps, I'll have a rummage about underneath and get shot of them