On my 2001 Focus 2.0 Zetec it had a heat shield around the exhaust manifold but the screws were almost welded to it due to the heat over the tears so I took my angle grinder to it today and took it off as I need to clean off all the oil and crap that has built up over the years due to my rocker cover leaking. Question is.....Do they really need a heat shield over the manifold, does it protect the engine from serious heat or is it a case of being there as a caution for hands when the engine is hot?!

Also whilst saying this..... I have the top part of my cambelt cover off and think it looks really good.....Once again is this ok??