I would wrap it. I happen to like the ATP Inconel shielding but I am bias since I have it on my car. Its also not Tin foil since it has a thin layer of cloth in between the layers of metal. The underhood temps are very low with this but cloth stuff would work to. Pic of my manifold. Oh and you dont have to take the shielding off to work on it.

 

your supposed to wet the wrap before applying? i had no idea. i fail..

 

its not like you HAVE too....

I would actually prefer a less tightening fit to avoid the heat radiation putting any kind of negative heat pressure on the manifold to crack, but i dont think its a big deal either way.