Hi Rick,
Congratulations on buying a great Brit car to add to your collection.
I have had two Plus 8's with manifolds on each side and I could fry an egg on either side bonnet quite comfortably I feel sure after a spirited drive, I have never seen any signs underside or topsides of the bonnets paint wise being damaged.
Same on one side only on my 4/4 Sport it does get warm under there but never any signs of water bottles or any other non metallic parts melting so all is well..
By all means put in a transparent (horizontally fore and aft) alloy fending strip if it feels like personalising, it can do no harm.
Enjoy your miles.
