Is it ok to unbolt this shield replace sump gasket. (pic)

[Dxs]

hey guys, have a b16a1, spent a good day removing the bitch of a manifold so i can get to the sump to remove the gasket.

The workshop manual has no info about the sump really.. and there seems to be a shield for the gearbox (for the flywheel?). That covers some of the bolts for the sump. The thing is i belive the bolts hold the shield are also mounts for the gearbox.

So before i unbolt them i was wondering if anyone knows if it is fine to remove them to do the sump gasket or do i have to do anything.. such as support the gearbox?

here is a pic

http://i1.tinypic.com/nn5vk1.jpgnote the sheild thing over the sump bolts..

[Dxs]

just did some further research and looks like the mounts are 'engine stiffeners' and the cover is for the clutch case..

i guess it will be safe to remove by the diagrams..
if anyone has anything to ad let me know.. lol

cheers

[ek4-guy]

yeah mate is safe to remove that plate i have a mate that left his plate of his v8 so the clutch runs cooler

[BlitZ]

remoe it just replace it.. as u said it jsut covers the flywheels.. nothing else really. tis a snug fit

[ECU-MAN]

those mounts are ok to remove, just put them back, same with the splash sheild

[Weq]

yep its the last steps to replacing the gasket ;)