I have. 2002 Monte Carlo SS. The Resonator heat shield fell off the car the other day. Is this shield necessary? Took into a muffler shop and they said it wasn't necessary... Looking up on internet it shows the shield goes to the RESONATOR, not catalytic converter as muffler shop said.
Between floor board and top of resonator.
Also, if I do need a new resonator (has rust holes in it) could I just go with a straight pipe?
Thanks

 

The shield is probably not that big a deal. Odds are your res is probably rotting out. If it does, I recommend cutting the res out and just having a piece of straight pipe put in.

 

My shield fell off 3 years ago I had no problem with my resonator..

 

That is what I was thinking, straight pipe. Car makes kind of a "whistling" noise at freeway speed. Res. has holes in it now.

 

Took mine out and put a glasspack.