Any tips on removing the heatshield? i cant seem to get the bottom 3 bolts out of the upper heat shield ive tried for the past hour

 

I shoved my hand down there and cut it all to crap, but was able to get them out.

Many posts on the forums say to remove the whole front cap. I refused.

 

Are you talking about the turbo heat shield? If so, we have it on our site under MINI > tech info (tab at top) > R56 articles and then scroll to the bottom under exhausts and click on Catalytic converter Replacement. Might need to spray the bolts down with some PB to help loosen them up.

 

Thank you Pelican for the tip, I am going to be doing that on Saturday.

 

front three are a pain, on mine as soon as they broke loose i could spin them out by hand the rest of the way. Couldnt get the middle one to line up after swapping dp though so i left it out

 

You're welcome. Glad I could help.

 

Never mind getting the bolts out. How in the hell do you put them back in???? By far the most frustrating think I have done on my R56.

 

I notched the three bottom holes so I could start the bolts first and slide the shield over them, still a pain. Also a slim 1/4 air ratchet helps install and remove

 

I agree when installing my downpipe and muffler it was a total pain in rear... I only put the top portion back on..

 

You don't take the left one out, just loosen it as it has a slot open to the top. I found starting the right one and then flexing the shield to start the middle one worked for me.

 

It is a PITA to replace it. Instead of replacing it, I just wrapped my downpipe with heat shield exhaust tape. Does a better job and easy to do.

 

Are there any downsides performance wise to removing the turbo heat shield due to the heat?

 

Does removing the heat shield have any effects to the performance due to the heat or is it really just for show?

 

I had my bottom heat shield off for a while but put it back on do to intake temps getting way to high in stop and go traffic. I don’t have a problem now

 

Performance, probably not. However, you run the risk of melting something....

 

I wrapped my downpipe in DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap and removed the heat shield. No heat issues or melted stuff on the street or on track. I’ve replaced the upper heat shield with the WMW turbo blanket/heat shield, we’ll see how that holds up on track next month.

 

How do you like your DP? I just put mine on last night, did a major service and haven't started the car yet. I am waiting for the Forge Turbo Blanket. Both of the heat shields are a total PITA. I should have looked a little bit for the DEI that is a great way to go. How is it holding up?