300tdi alternator heatshield

hi all,
just fitted a new denso alternator to me disco, all fits well apart from the metal heat shield from the back of the old alternator wont fit the new one, due to the studs are a smaller thread size & not long enough.
Spoke to the supplier, jsf norwich, they said it will be fine without the shield.does anyone have any thoughts ?, i was wondering if i should heat-wrap the manifold/downpipe close to the alternator?

I think the heat shield is there for a reason and wouldn't risk a new alternator without it being fitted whatever the supplier says.
Can you not refit the heat shield using some threaded rod and nuts and washers to make some mounting studs to fit it at the correct distance? and bin the old studs.

An old thread I know but I was looking into 300tdi alternators today and was keen to get an answer to a similar question myself so thought I would share the knowledge.

The new improved plastic backed ones, AMR4248 (upto 96) and AMR5425 (later 96 on) don't need a heatshield as the plastic is now able to withstand the exhaust manifold heat.