Is an engine cover needed? What is the purpose? I have had mine off for about 3 weeks now and I'm sure the engine is dissipating heat better. What do you guys think?

 

I've seen many pics with the cover off.. Not sure if it really needed or not... Many other cars don't use them are they are just fine..

 

It is for cosmetics. Removing it will not dissipate heat any better as the hotter parts such as headers are located at the bottom end of the motor.

 

I was under the impression that the cover is purely cosmetic. I like to keep mine on.

 

It is purely cosmetic. Makes it look clean and neat.

 

keep it on looks much better.

 

It makes the engine look cleaner. more inline with the exterior design, and it also makes it easy for car owners to locate import points like the dipsticks and fluid caps.

 

It has some sound deadening material on it, but it's not like it's a noticeable difference.

 

Had mines off for over two years now...thought it would help with the intake manifold temp

 

Right, I would have thought this too as hot air rises. The entire engine gets hot and hot air wants to go up. With the engine cover pretty much right against the engine I have to believe that the heat will stay in there a little longer whereas without a cover it will just rise up to the inside of the hood and escape. Makes sense. I'm sure there is no noticable power gain though...I think it would keep the engine a little cooler by at least a couple of degrees.