Hi, my 951 has a flat metal plate underneath the exhaust manifold that isn't attached to anything, it's kind of wedged in there and rattles around. The PO had stuffed some aluminum foil in between the manifold and heat shield to stop it from rattling, but I am not impressed by this 'solution'. I ran a big hose clamp around the works and removed the aluminum foil, but it's still kludgey and ugly and makes me feel irritated every time I pop the hood. How's it SUPPOSED to be attached?

Thaddeus

 

Thad, look around at the surrounding 10mm bolts, you should find the pieces that are missing from your shield (where the rough or cracked edges are visible), unless someone removed the bolts and the parts that used to be a part of your shield, in which case you should look for a used one, or construct one yourself.

If you are unclear what I mean post back and I'll list the exact attaching points for the shield..

Cheers

 

Thanks... I already studied it for awhile (only from above) and can't for the life of me see anything or figure out what shoulda been there. All the mounting hardware must be gone. What's it supposed to attach to? The header? The car's frame?

Thaddeus

 

Thad, the shield is one piece and has only 2-3 bolts holding it.

Remove the right tire and inspect the surrounding 10mm bolts below the header, possibly the balance shaft bolts and one on the oil filter housing for a piece of metal that used to be part of the shield.
It will look like an extra washer on the right bolts, since it was a part of the shield but is craked and broken off now.

Cheers

 

The heat shield is in two pieces. They join roughly in the center using two 6mm (10mm head) bolts which also secure a bracket. That bracket attaches to the block (balance shaft cover?) with a 6mm bolt. The forward heat shield part has a bracket spot welded to it. That bracket attaches to the block with another 6mm bolt. Usually, this bracket is stress fractured and broken. It can be a bit of a puzzle getting the things out of there but it isn't that difficult. I imagine in your case you will find the front bracket broken and the bolt(s) missing in the rear bracket.