What's the deal with these large plastic engine covers? - Page 2

Joe · 08-09-2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingnutin

I don't think they would put them on if it was costing much of anything, probably like $1 per car or something.

It all adds up. From the cost of the cover, bracket(s), fasteners, time. Remember when GM went on a cutting spree with the 2003 full size trucks? Eliminating 'small' items like lock cylinders on the console lid, the two tabs on either side of the key in the ignition, etc etc. It adds up.

I'd bet a large number of car owners never/seldom open their own hood to begin with.

200-A · 08-09-2012, 10:04 AM

The covers actually serve several purposes. In addition to appearance purposes, they do provide some sound insulation, and in some cases, keep excess heat from reaching the hood. Keep in mind engine compartments are cramped in modern vehicles. But I think the primary purpose has to do with sound insulation as I have seen, while still working at dealerships, people bring back their cars for noise issues when the cover was inadvertently left off during service.

**Dwayne J** · 08-09-2012, 10:54 AM

I would buy the sound insulation argument.
Far as heat though it seems to me that cover would trap more heat close to the engine and further bake all the wiring and sensors. Obviously the stuff handles it.

**TSS** · 08-09-2012, 12:28 PM

I am totally in the minority here. I like the covers. If engines looked like they did pre 1980, that would be better. But they don't. The covers hide the ugly (and potentially serve other purposes).

Joe · 08-09-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSS

I am totally in the minority here. I like the covers. If engines looked like they did pre 1980, that would be better. But they don't. The covers hide the ugly (and potentially serve other purposes).

I can see that if you take your stocker to car shows and sit next to it in a lawn chair all day

**TSS** · 08-09-2012, 12:37 PM

When I open the hood, I like to see neatness. I am sure we all here open our hoods FAR more than the average person. I even added that LINCOLN emblem of mine to look prettier and did some similar stuff with the SS. Just sayin' I don't dislike it. Even thought about hanging a 5.3 SS cover on my garage wall as a decoration, but could not come to an agreement on price with a seller (here).

The Wretched · 08-09-2012, 02:14 PM

Well I'll certainly admit that my intake manifold is not exactly a looker. Reminds me of a giant heat sink(maybe that's what they are going for?). The artist in me is tempted to give it a dark gunmetal finish along with those support bars that run across the bay.
But for now I have atleast found a good use for the plastic cover.:)

**kingnutin** · 08-09-2012, 04:09 PM

Thats gonna make a mess, maybe not over concrete?

Joe · 08-09-2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Wretched

Well I'll certainly admit that my intake manifold is not exactly a looker. Reminds me of a giant heat sink(maybe that's what they are going for?). The artist in me is tempted to give it a dark gunmetal finish along with those support bars that run across the bay.
But for now I have atleast found a good use for the plastic cover.:)

PULL!!!

phileaglesfan · 08-09-2012, 08:08 PM

I personally don't like them and it seems like most manufacturers are going that route. I think they use them to make regular maintenance checks easier for everyone. A lot easier to see a few colored dipsticks in a sea of black covers instead of a bunch of lines/coils/wires running everywhere.

Here is a nice example of a clean engine bay. (It is not my Vette by the way, but something I would do).

The Wretched · 08-09-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingnutin

Thats gonna make a mess, maybe not over concrete?

Good thinking. I'll lay it over my tile floor instead.:)

**kingnutin** · 08-10-2012, 09:50 AM

Excellent idea, let us know how it works out!

That vette engine looks fantastic, that's what they should have done from the damn factory.

phileaglesfan · 08-10-2012, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingnutin

That vette engine looks fantastic, that's what they should have done from the damn factory.

I agree. I've seen some nice fuel rail covers but I love the valve cover look. Personally I don't think the covers do anything concerning noise or cooling. I have taken mine off before and drove without it and didn't notice a difference. An intake shouldn't be getting too hot anyway. I believe the main reason for them is to make the engine bay more idiot proof for checking fluids.

At least the stock Corvette's motor says LS_ on the covers along with Corvette and the intake is not covered so you can still tell it is still a V configured engine and you can actually count the spark plug wires to tell it is an 8 cylinder.

08-09-2012, 10:54 AM	#18 (permalink)
Dwayne J Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2,661 Thanks: 1 Thanked 45 Times in 31 Posts	I would buy the sound insulation argument. Far as heat though it seems to me that cover would trap more heat close to the engine and further bake all the wiring and sensors. Obviously the stuff handles it. __________________ Dwayne 96 Caprice with AI 200cc package Best et 11.5 Best MPH 116 Just another taxi

08-09-2012, 12:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
TSS Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,581 Thanks: 95 Thanked 287 Times in 149 Posts	I am totally in the minority here. I like the covers. If engines looked like they did pre 1980, that would be better. But they don't. The covers hide the ugly (and potentially serve other purposes). __________________ 2009 Impala SS (sold 3/2012); 2010 Buick Enclave CXL; 2010 Lincoln MKS AWD Twin Turbo, Livernois Motor Sports tuned, K&N Typhoon CAI, 0-60 in 4.47 seconds "Trying Times Are Not a Good Time To Quit Trying"

08-09-2012, 12:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
TSS Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,581 Thanks: 95 Thanked 287 Times in 149 Posts	When I open the hood, I like to see neatness. I am sure we all here open our hoods FAR more than the average person. I even added that LINCOLN emblem of mine to look prettier and did some similar stuff with the SS. Just sayin' I don't dislike it. Even thought about hanging a 5.3 SS cover on my garage wall as a decoration, but could not come to an agreement on price with a seller (here). __________________ 2009 Impala SS (sold 3/2012); 2010 Buick Enclave CXL; 2010 Lincoln MKS AWD Twin Turbo, Livernois Motor Sports tuned, K&N Typhoon CAI, 0-60 in 4.47 seconds "Trying Times Are Not a Good Time To Quit Trying"

08-09-2012, 02:14 PM	#22 (permalink)
The Wretched Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: New England Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Well I'll certainly admit that my intake manifold is not exactly a looker. Reminds me of a giant heat sink(maybe that's what they are going for?). The artist in me is tempted to give it a dark gunmetal finish along with those support bars that run across the bay. But for now I have atleast found a good use for the plastic cover.:) __________________ 2011 Chevy Impala-Intake+Overkill tune 2012 Ninja 650 '04 Subaru WRX STi+'01 Pontiac Trans am-Sold '99 Civic Si-RIP

08-09-2012, 04:09 PM	#23 (permalink)
kingnutin 8th Gen Antagonist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver , WA Posts: 12,173 Thanks: 257 Thanked 639 Times in 438 Posts View My Garage kingnutin	Thats gonna make a mess, maybe not over concrete? __________________ 1978 Caprice Classic Landau 350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl Stock rebuilt TH350 Edelbrock performer cam + intake Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed) Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks 95 9C1 3.08 posi 4 wheel disc brakes! 16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

08-09-2012, 10:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
200-A Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 95 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	The covers actually serve several purposes. In addition to appearance purposes, they do provide some sound insulation, and in some cases, keep excess heat from reaching the hood. Keep in mind engine compartments are cramped in modern vehicles. But I think the primary purpose has to do with sound insulation as I have seen, while still working at dealerships, people bring back their cars for noise issues when the cover was inadvertently left off during service.

08-09-2012, 08:08 PM	#25 (permalink)
phileaglesfan Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 157 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I personally don't like them and it seems like most manufacturers are going that route. I think they use them to make regular maintenance checks easier for everyone. A lot easier to see a few colored dipsticks in a sea of black covers instead of a bunch of lines/coils/wires running everywhere. Here is a nice example of a clean engine bay. (It is not my Vette by the way, but something I would do).

08-10-2012, 09:50 AM	#27 (permalink)
kingnutin 8th Gen Antagonist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver , WA Posts: 12,173 Thanks: 257 Thanked 639 Times in 438 Posts View My Garage kingnutin	Excellent idea, let us know how it works out! That vette engine looks fantastic, that's what they should have done from the damn factory. __________________ 1978 Caprice Classic Landau 350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl Stock rebuilt TH350 Edelbrock performer cam + intake Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed) Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks 95 9C1 3.08 posi 4 wheel disc brakes! 16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

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