Do I need a heat shield

I have a 97 Gst with only the intake modded. basically stock everything else. I've noticed a small spot off water/coolant on the ground when I park it overnight. the spot is about 3 inches or so in diameter. I've traced the leak to the upper coolant line to the turbo.
 
I've tried to remove the heat shield to get to it, but I've sheered the head right off the bolt. the leak is small. I put about a 20 oz bottle of water in it every 2 weeks.
 
my question is...do I need the heat shield, or can I get by without it? This car has to stay my DD for about the next year before I can rip stuff off for upgrades.

the heat sheild is only there for 1. to protect yourself from touching it 2. to try and keep the engine bay temps down alittle bit by forcing the hot air away from it. But it really isnt necessary

yea man you'll do fine without it, no worries

i want a tubular manifold. especially that custom one SICKNESS. they look so amazing especially with a polished turbo.

^^^^^ Ok that was random lol. 

Port and jet coat ftw!

how much does it cost to jetcoat a stock manifold? i was thinking of getting it done, 1)for the better heat capture, and 2) so it looks way better than not jetcoated

Call Buschur's to get the best price.

https://secure.buschurracing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=416&osCsid=2c16afa617e1f8865928057a54266957

yea i just looked that up right after i asked the question thanks

TheEngineer is right on, on that one.   You dont' need it thought.  If you have stripped a bolt, just do the rest and pull the shield off then grab the bolt w/ some pliars or something and try to screw it out after soaking the bolt in some wd40 or so.   you can get an aftermarket manifold pretty cheap (200-300) (that's VERY cheap in the car world) if it bothers you that much.