Ready to tackle the manifold issue and wondering if I wrapped ac line in that area, other hoses where it used to be... Do you think it would be an issue?

I searched here and could not find any posts on removing it completely. Im sure there has to be some missing shields on the road by now?

 

?....?

 

I would purchase some exhaust manifold heat wrap (header wrap). It will keep the heat inside the manifold.

 

I drove a 95 V6 Jimmy with JBA headers & Borla Exhaust (no heat shield anywhere, including the CAT shield) for 11+ years, never an issue.