exhaust rattling noise, '01 2.7l
 

I've been searching the exhaust plumbing for some time in an effort to find the source of rattle at about 2.5K to 3K rpm. tapping the plumbing with a rubber mallet and screw driver handle. Finally traced it to the heat shield located at the front end of the passenger side secondary cat pipe by the flange. I strapped a hose clamp and it made a big difference. now the buzz/rattle is less and happens only at 2.8K rpm.. very specific.
My question is - can I just cut off the clam-shell shield? the pipe does not appear to be close to anything that warrants shielding. Any problem in doing this?
thanks in advance
Tad

I took my heat shields off. Gravel gets trapped in them causing rattle noises.

I replaced the locking bolt and retaining clip when I had this issue.

The shield is there to stop leaking oil/fuel/other fluids hitting the hot catalytic converter and setting your engine bay on fire. I think removing it is questionable at best.

it's not the removable shield over the cat but a clam shell shield on the exhaust pipe between the secondary cat and the flange (to mate with the header)

Yes... That's the area I was referring to.