I bought a heat shield (yes, it apparently is thick rubber) about 14 years ago from Bauerle & installed it myself with no problems encountered. Don't remember too much about it since it was so long ago & haven't had any occasion to even think of it until now. His ad in the latest Delorean World does not list the heat shield. Call to see if they still sell it: Bauerle Automotive Inc. 4211 Radnor Road Radnor OH 43066 Phone 740 595-3348 no website or e-mail data listed