APynckel

Except to aesthetically please the eye? I'd rather see my engine running than some static plastic panels covering everything.

istarzan

iTrader: (8)

There was a thread about this but can't find it now. Apparently it doesn't do much. Maybe just lessen the noise emitted from the engine. I personally like the way the panels look, makes the engine compartment look much cleaner.

APynckel

I'm a mechanical engineer, so I like to see the dynamics of my engine.

Vroomin350

iTrader: (28)

First, Welcome to CL. Please use the search button. There are several threads about this but to answer your question they do serve a purpose, specifically the engine cover it self. Reduction of heat in the engine bay and noise reduction for the cabin.

APynckel

Yes well I was wondering about their thermal controlability being plastic.

Vroomin350

iTrader: (28)

I am pretty sure the plastics are for the noise reduction. The engine cover for heat, turn it around. It's crazy insulation under there.

Legend217

iTrader: (1)

keep dust out of your engine and other components.........

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Yeah i'd think it was there to help reduce dust, reduce heat transferred to the hood, and for a little sound deadening. And of course make it all look clean

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

Most useful purpose is to keep dust off the engine... and to hide the messy hoses, wires, etc.

There's no need to design a cover to keep heat off the hood since it doesn't hurt the hood in anyway. No point in reducing engine noise in the engine bay too

The cabin material is really keeping the noise out... and the so called "sound dampening visors"

Completely safe to remove if you like.

2slixx

iTrader: (3)

there was a thread about this 2 seconds ago...

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I feel the engine would run a bit cooler without the covers but there's no problem with them.
Does look nicer under the hood.

EJC

Maybe I'm getting old but I miss the old engine bays where you could chrome the valve covers and air cleaner etc.

Open the hood on the old GTO, 'Cuda, Mustang etc and there was that gorgeous V8 staring at you. It was yours to have your way with. Swap carbs, chrome, plugs.......

Today, Remove the plastic cover and the cosmetics suck! You can't see the plugs. Wires all over the place and you have to wonder if anyone really knows what they all do.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I'm just as old.
I sold my vintage show car '69 Corvette I had for 20 years about 3 years ago.
Although the engine was stock,it looked good with it's chrome air cleaner and distributor cover.
Engines were a lot simpler then.Right in front of you and clean looking.Not the case today with all the newer technology.

EJC

Funny, last fall I slod my 1968 Volvo 1800S in a Charity auction in NY, for my kids college. Some guy in NY bought it. I got a call from someone in the next town over 2 weeks ago, the car is back in the neighborhood, go figure!

EJC

BTW, the FANTC plates are now on my Boxster

And if you havn't noticed I like Red Cars