4.3 V6 manifold baffle

I have a 1994 Vortec 4.3 V6 which I'm carburating by using a cast steel 4bbl manifold. On the bottom of the manifold is a cup like baffle that's riveted on and has a small hole in the center. This baffle hits the balance shaft when I put the manifold on. Can I remove the baffle or is it needed? Thanks for any help. Tom


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Ayuh,... It's a heat shield to keep hot oil from heating the intake...

It's possible, you can beat a small dent in it to clear the balance shaft...

Personally, I'd modify it, rather than removin' it...

The tin heat shield is pretty close to the manifold itself.
The best solution is the Edelbrock 4.3 Vortec intake with the '96-up heads, but you can toss the balance shaft instead.
BTW, there are cast steel cranks, but that intake manifold is cast iron, not cast steel. There are important, significant differences.