Flounder

What is it with Nissan's heat shields? I was still under my 200 at 1:30 last night trying to get the heat shield off. We have two Nissans from mid-90s. A 96 Pathfinder and my 95 200SX. The pathfinder has not had a single problem. We just dropped $800 on a full tune up for it (timing belt, water pump, spark plugs/wires, and two O2 sensors) and have full desire to drive it forever (a RARE thing for us) but, all the heat shields are gone on it. It seems Nissan perfects everything that matters most, but has some problems with the little details. Our pathfinder has had a few minor things. The factory LE running boards rusted right off last year, the front right corner light has a loose connection and comes and goes, and the heat shields. We now fear for the entire exhaust on it. It's pretty loud now. My 200 has had the same kind of stuff as well. A leaky moonroof, clunky trunk lid, and corner light filled with water are a few i can name. I know about 5th gear popout, but mine has none...yet. I'm planning a swap someday, but not yet. Anyone else have little problems like these?

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My Whip Stillen 4-1, WAI, 2.5 Catback.