Jx manifold heat shields

[wolfbus.uk]

Putting a new aaz in the syncro this weekend but the original jx exhaust manifold heat shields are beyond repair. Would it be unwise to run the van over the winter months without them? I've an oil cooler fitted although that's probably irrelevant!
The AAZ didnt have shields on manifold like the JX is the fact the engine is leant over or working harder pulling a van the reason the JX has them?

[RogerT]

The JX does run quite hot in the back of a van which is probably why it has heat shielding over the manifold and the exhaust, but I would imagine most these days are like mine - not a heat shield in sight.

[ZsZ]

the air filter just above the manifold in the van (JX) while Golfs and Passats (AAZ) have nothing important close the manifold

[lefty67]

No heat shields on my aaz either.

[wolfbus.uk]

Awesome that's reassuring. In time I'll make up some new ones using the originals as a pattern but for now nice to know I can just get the thinh up and running