Or is it more cosmetic. I'm asking because it's a major annoyance when trying to change the air filter or do much of anything else under the hood. Would it cause any problems to remove the pieces that tend to get in the way?

 

This is how I have mine, I don't see a use for the sides either.

 

The Engine cover has his due under the Hood.
It means do not touch anything. Lexus will take care of it.
At least that what my engine cover screams at me when Iopen the Hood.

 

Yeah they'll take of it, and your bank account will be the proof.

 

I know that it has some insulation underneath it to shield some of the engine noise. I guess that's it's purpose...and the carbon fiber F-Sport one looks really good.

 

To cover up the ugliness underneath and to help insulate some engine noise. There's actually quite a bit of moulded insulation on its underside.

Jeff

 

Before I got all mine painted, I ran with only the front cooling plate (more on that below) on for easy access to everything. Other than to clean up the look of the engine bay and capture dust, they aren't really necessary. The reason I kept the cooling plate on is because whenever I would drive, there would be a loud whistling noise hah. Sometimes it sounded supercharged!!

 

cosmetic. i believe

 

yup all about cosmetic.. I went and look at the IS motor for the first time I was like damn that thing is clean! I want that car!

 

Because without the cover 90% of potential buyers would be turned off by the lack thereof.

 

This is the right answer:

 

I happen to have friend visiting this weekend (he designs electrical systems for a major car maker) he said it's for appearance only...nothing else. He said this increases cost in the vehicle because the heat cannot dissipate efficiently so they have to upgrade wiring/hoses etc. to more heat resistant grade. So, learning this fact I'm removing my covers to not put extra heat under the hood.

 

The engine itself is fugly... I wouldn't take the cover off. That cover is there to hide the ugliness! Think of it as the car's make-up!

 

Yeah, I doubt that its actually functional. I know that other cars I've owned, the online forums always recommmended removing stuff like that.

 

Keeps my engine clean. Therefore it serves a purpose to me. =]