Catalytic Converter Heat Shield with aftermarket Cat??
 

I've got the P0420 code showing up on and off (and on and off and on and off... :sad:) and so I'm considering replacing the cat with an aftermarket one. This one, actually:
Attachment 222555
So what I am wondering is... is it possible to remove the heat shield that goes around my stock cat:
http://www.underway.us/rx8/damage/bottom.jpg
... and put it around the new one?

Thoughts? Is it even necessary? I've heard that it would be easier for fires to start (ex: debris, grass) without it on there. Thanks in advance!

Unless I'm missing something, the heat shield will remain in place once you pull the stock converter off. After that you would simply place the mid pipe in its place without ever touching the shield.

That's correct. I'm wondering if I should then remove the heat shield from the factory cat and attach it to the new aftermarket one. ... and if that is even possible, or if there is any reason to.

I personally see no reason to do it. I run a mid pipe and can see no ill effects from not having it on. I believe the catalyst gets hotter than a mid pipe will (I'm sure someone I'll correct me of i'm wrong). That's why it's there and your coffee will never get cold sitting in the front cup holders. Spirited driving or long higway way trips, I see no need for it.

the heat shield on the stock cat is spot welded, so it will come off, but you need to cut/drill/bite really hard.

reinstalling you'd need to reweld it, i think, or Ford used to use giant hose clamps, i guess this would work.

i'm thinking of doing this because the only legal cat in CA is the stock one, so i was thinking of buying an aftermarket and just putting the stock heat shield over it, so it looks like the stock cat.

the stock cat heatshield will rust away eventually. thx to the heat it sees.

it's there to lower the temp of cabin, nothing more, does it work? I dont know. we have cup warmers! right ?