I just noticed while cleaning my bay that the trim on the heatshield is not there any more. This trim goes over the other piece of trim that is on the radiator.

Attached is a pic. Do I need to buy trim now or can I live with it since the JWT is more for sound that performance?

dont need it...the heat shield is pointless anyways

with as hot as my jwt got before summer, i would certainly make sure air was passing through where the missing trim piece is. i would not say the heatshield is pointless because it does absorb some radiant heat but the filter is still subjected to hot temps. without the shield, it is taking the full effect of the heat. i monitored my IAT temps (sensor that is built into the maf) with my auto enginuity and decided to go with the stock setup during summertime.

has this happened to anyone? can I use similar grade (thickness) rubber as trim to cover the hole now?

I think once I get the replacement trim, I will put it on and have it stick permanently using a few drops of super glue. I think this should be fine.