Down low probably wouldn't be a problem since my 85 M-B put the R4 compressor down low w/ no shields. Low is best for keeping oil in the compressor which may be why many Chevy's w/ the R4 up high had failures, though many M-B did too. My 96 Voyager has the compressor low, and a short plastic shield. But I think the main purpose of the shield is to keep rain and snow out of the serpentine belt since those love to walk off.
