Tight fit on Milltek, removed metal plate that ran across middle of car?

[RpR]

Evenin'!

After fighting with a tight fit for my Milltek exhaust, I ended up unbolting that thin piece of metal running across the middle of the car underneath.
Since it's not very sturdy I ASSUME it's not needed to add to the rigidity of the car? It's just there to catch the exhaust in case the damn thing comes off at motorway speeds, right?

 

[Damoegan]

Its a heat shield mate.

 

[RpR]

Are you sure? It's not the ultra thin aluminum that covers the underside whereever the exhaust is, it's a two feet long piece of thin steel, held in place by 8 bolts

 

[Damoegan]

Ah, I know what bit you mean now. Its a guard to protect the exhaust.

 

[RpR]

Ah. Straight pipe, that wont be needed then