Dave - The heat shield that should be installed between the muffler and the engine accessory belts is made from a mineral board (probably asbestos). If there is no shield, you will experience higher failure rates of belts, A/C idler pulley bearings, and possibly crankshaft seal due to chronic exposure to radiant heat. You can get stock replacements from your favorite DeLorean vendor, or you can fabricate (or have it fabricated) a replacement using aluminum sheet metal. That's what I did. I enlarged the profile of the replacement shield to better protect the alternator and A/C compressor and drive components. I believe that the good folks in England have done similar things. I used .100" thick aluminum, and picked up the same bolt holes as the stock shield. Because I extended the shield to protect the A/C compressor, I had to fabricate a small brace that goes from the shield to a nearby bolt hole on the left hand valve cover to keep the shield from vibrating. Works great. Other people have found different types of mineral board and had replacements made. Perhaps somebody on the List who has done that can provide details? Toby Peterson VIN 2248 Winged1 --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, doctorDHD@xxxx wrote: > I noticed that my DeLorean does not have a muffler heat shield. How > important is it. What will happen if it remains off. What is it made of. Can I > build one myself?