Im new also but I have owend my 97 PDS 1 year now still like it every time I climb in and drive it.I ordered a three inch down pipe taking out the flat stock pipe but I noticed that the stock pipe appears to be wrapped with some type of heat sheild what are people putting on after market down pipes I wondered maybe some kind of header tape or nothing would like to hear from someone thats done this either way. thanks

 

As long as it's not touching anything, I wouldn't. Mine been on for three years and I haven't had any problems. I do recall that the pipe was a little close to a tranny line but was told by my tranny buds it was ok since it wasn't touching.