Darren, You asked: "Or is it that no matter what, a cat (hollow or not) may still damage surrounding parts b/c of generated heat? Just wondering....." Core or no core the normal operation of the catalytic converter will not damage the epoxy frame coating. The main purpose of the converter heat shield is to reduce the likelihood of starting a fire if parked above a pile of dry leaves. Regards, DMC Joe/Help Club dmchelp@xxxx Information & Store http://shopping.oraclesmallbusiness.com/dsvstore DeLorean Website Directory www.dmc.tv <b> http://shopping.oraclesmallbusiness.com/dsvstore