MagnaFlow cats heat shield missing

[McFluffybunny]

So my exhaust problems continue. I just picked up my Magnaflow cats and upon unboxing I noticed one has a heat shield the other does not. Is this a common issue? Do I need to have a heat shield on both?

Oh and I wasn't sure if this belongs in technical or general.

[AZhitman]

Any chance you could post a pic?

Can't imagine why one would have it and one wouldn't.

[McFluffybunny]

I have triple checked the part numbers and I have the correct ones.

[NolimitZ32]

I'd be contacting the vendor. That said, lots of folks run without heat-shields on all sorts of stuff although I wouldn't recommend it especially on the Z since there is minimal airflow and the cat is so close to the body.

[LIBRILZ]

Agreed, contact the vendor about what you have, in my experience it is best to keep as many heat shields in place as you can on these cars

[DCaff300ZX]

Wow, nothing worse than when you can't seem to escape fubar-ism. You'd think the shipping person would wonder about them being obviously different, unless it's their first day.
Agreed with above, the vendor surely will send another just unfortunately now you get to ship the bad one back, and wait for the new one...

[McFluffybunny]

Wow, nothing worse than when you can't seem to escape fubar-ism.

I know, right!..... I made a call to Magnaflow. After talking to one of their technicians I learned that I now have one old style and one new style (without a heat shield) catalytic converters. According to the technician they have done away with the heat shield on the new design. It is supposed to be as good as having the heat shield installed. The question now is do I install as is and look Goofy, or send the old style back in hopes that finding a new style replacement?

[NolimitZ32]

You have the right to get a matching set, they can send you a revised "new" one for the other side. I'm guessing the change wasn't indicated anywhere so you have recourse.

[McFluffybunny]

I know, I just want my car back on the road. I ordered this from O'Reilly Auto Parts and I'll see if they can send me the correct replacement. Now please excuse me while I go throw a temper tantrum!

[AZhitman]

Grrr. Well-handled, Bunny. Good advice from the crew here!