I also have all the OEM plastic engine bay trim and clips for the LS and SC. It is all nicely bagged and stored up in my attic (which is about as hot right now as the SC's engine bay : )

I am not an automotive engineer but I have a close friend who was the chief engineer for a major brand. Rest assured the vast majority of the top side plastic engine trim pieces are there for 100% cosmetic reasons.

 

Well, aside from engineering etc. I think that intake manifold is awesomely beautiful. But I have only opened the hood ONCE since I bought the car, so the covers remain. If I was sure removing the covers would not adversely effect the lifetime of the engine, they would ALL go and I would polish the manifolds. Engines are beautiful. But, I am a mechanic, not just a driver. From the driver perspective, the car is beautiful in that you rarely have to open the hood.

 

I agree. The covers look classy. It's the engine compartment equivalent of the inside wood trim. Yes, I'd store them if I had to work on the engine but in 4 years (2 cars), nothing's gone wrong. I do open the hood occasionally to appreciate how quiet a 290 HP engine can be at idle

 

Perception is a person's reality. Just don't try to justify it without scientific evidence/data. We all have different likes/dislikes. That's okay. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, that's their right.

 

Wow. So now I finally get it. I think I started the car up. At least, the little needle thingie pointed at 1,100. I opened the hood but there wasn’t any noise or vibration. Thought it was like my friend’s Prius. Under the acres of plastic there’s something called an “engine”? I’ve been wondering about this. Thought it was like an emergency storage space. Oh wait there’s some super petite gal named “VeeVee T. Also some dude named “I See U”. I also keep hearing about a “tithing belt”. Have to throw $100 into the glovebox every 10k miles until 90k on the odoormenter. I did notice some kind of dull roar when I accelerate. Figured there was something wrong w/ the stereo or speakers or something. Oh and those “clips”? The “e-clips” is August 19 so that’ s the only day I can crowbar the plastic forest? Can’t wait to see the “engine”

 

My vote for best post of the morning...

 

I keep the center engine cover off mainly in the summer time due to the extreme heat in GA. Maybe it helps the engine keep a little cooler but who knows. I am sure it helps some.

 

But could it be af the expense of reduced cooling to some other engine component that is suffering as a result?

 

No. Doesnt have anything to do with removing the engine cover.

 

Really. And of course you're an auto engineer and have actual data to justify that statement.