Here is a link to the photo of the part....

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y207/mlrosier/EclipseEnginePart.jpg

It is a shroud or a heatsink of some type. The car I am getting has it, but it is rusted around the top bolts, so I am thinking it will need replaced soon. I am wondering where l can get a replacement cheap, and how difficult it will be to replace. Can anyone off any help? Thank you in advance.

That is the heat shield which covers the headers. l am not really sure of the exact name, that is just what l call it. l am sure you could get one at the dealership, although parts from the dealerships are usually pretty pricey. The only other option l know of is to check your local junkyards/parts stores and see if they have any. The quickest way would be to get it from a dealership but it may not be the cheapest.

This called the heat shield, which covers the your headers. They can be easily aquired at junkyards at a very low price, but it may not be in the perfect condition. You will have to make sure you get the right one, some models have a heat shield that have a hole for the oxygen sensor. Yours dont so make sure you get one that has no hole. If you have no luck at a junk yard then your next best bet will have to be the dealership.

it si a heat shield and whats happening is normal.dealer will have it if not they can get it.heat the engine up before you try taking out the bolts/nuts.

Get on a forum for eclipse owners. Most people will run headers or get a turbo setup for the 4-bangers, thus removing the heat sheild alltogether. Might get one for a few bucks. Also, keep an eye on ebay, thats where l sold my stock exhaust for my old eclipse.