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??

 

Wouldnt fuss to much about the heat shield i had to tear mine off never replaced it not melted anything since its been off in six months,

As to the cam belt cover its there to stop stones, water, oil ect to get to the belt, best to have it on but unlikely you will have problems with it off