exhaust rattling noise, '01 2.7l

[sb01box]

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

[Jager]

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

[Squozen]

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.

[sb01box]

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)

Originally Posted by Squozen

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.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by sb01box

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.