C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Removing Plastic Engine / Coil Covers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 11:37 AM
  #1  
DAL01's Avatar
DAL01
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
Default Removing Plastic Engine / Coil Covers



this is not a how to question but a why question. (i am referring to the big plastic covers that say "LS3" on them)

do some of you guys remove them because you can't stand the look of all that plastic covering your engines and you would rather see the coil packs and valve covers? or maybe because it will allow heat to escape from around the coils keeping them cooler and help create a better spark?

i plan on getting some nice valve covers, MSD Coils and fuel rails when i add the new FAST 102 intake but until then i was wondering about above.

tks, dal
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 12:05 PM
  #2  
Slwsvt's Avatar
Slwsvt
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
Default

I removed mine because when I added a FAST, they did not fit properly. I believe some have trimmed them with a dremel to get them to fit with the FAST.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 01:25 PM
  #3  
marc8090's Avatar
marc8090
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
Default

My understanding is that they are there mainly to quiet down injector and valvetrain noise. I have not tried running my car with them removed to confirm this though.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 01:27 PM
  #4  
PowerLabs's Avatar
PowerLabs
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Default

I actually like the way they look?
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 04:42 PM
  #5  
RLSebring's Avatar
RLSebring
Supporting Vendor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 178
From: Pensacola Florida GO GATORS!!! www.rlsebring.com www.c6c7vette.com
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

Originally Posted by marc8090
My understanding is that they are there mainly to quiet down injector and valvetrain noise. I have not tried running my car with them removed to confirm this though.


I've had mine off for awhile now and been complaining about valve train noise. I guess I'll put them back on and see if that works. If so I'll be back to a happy camper unitl the next thing comes along to bother me.
__________________
GO GATORS!!!

2008 Vert


Owned since new in 2007

www.c6c7vette.com
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 05:11 PM
  #6  
PowerLabs's Avatar
PowerLabs
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Default

Originally Posted by RLSebring
I've had mine off for awhile now and been complaining about valve train noise. I guess I'll put them back on and see if that works. If so I'll be back to a happy camper unitl the next thing comes along to bother me.
From your signature: 08 Vert 480hp "Hot Cam" LS3

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that your removal of those two plastic pieces has a LOT LESS to do with valvetrain noise than your hot cam and associated stiffer valve springs does
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 05:28 PM
  #7  
JayplaySS2's Avatar
JayplaySS2
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 14
Default

Originally Posted by DAL01

this is not a how to question but a why question. (i am referring to the big plastic covers that say "LS3" on them)

do some of you guys remove them because you can't stand the look of all that plastic covering your engines and you would rather see the coil packs and valve covers? or maybe because it will allow heat to escape from around the coils keeping them cooler and help create a better spark?

i plan on getting some nice valve covers, MSD Coils and fuel rails when i add the new FAST 102 intake but until then i was wondering about above.

tks, dal
Both reasons, though it is not going to help spark, and they do look gay, very gay
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 05:42 PM
  #8  
dads toy's Avatar
dads toy
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default

When I start doing engine mods I will remove mine. I like the look of the coil packs and a nice set of vavle covers.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 05:55 PM
  #9  
PowerLabs's Avatar
PowerLabs
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Default

Originally Posted by JayplaySS2
Both reasons, though it is not going to help spark, and they do look gay, very gay
NOTHING with the word "CORVETTE" on it looks gay
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 06:04 PM
  #10  
k0bun's Avatar
k0bun
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 1
From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
Default

Originally Posted by PowerLabs
I actually like the way they look?


Modern engines are nowhere near as "pretty" as the old muscle car bays used to be. Today's engine bays are so loaded with wires and hoses routed all over the place, it's just a mess. The engines are not on display so the covers give some sort of style to what's going on under there. I do love the look of coil relocation and powdercoated valve covers though. Unfortunately they're a little more expensive than leaving the stock, or even painted aftermarket, covers on. As for performance, heat, sound.....I don't know how much of an effect they have.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 06:19 PM
  #11  
RLSebring's Avatar
RLSebring
Supporting Vendor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 178
From: Pensacola Florida GO GATORS!!! www.rlsebring.com www.c6c7vette.com
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

Originally Posted by PowerLabs
From your signature: 08 Vert 480hp "Hot Cam" LS3

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that your removal of those two plastic pieces has a LOT LESS to do with valvetrain noise than your hot cam and associated stiffer valve springs does

Man that's always a dead give-a-way.

I just went out and cleaned the engine, Blowed dried it and put the covers back on. All pretty now.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 07:31 AM
  #12  
tmc95's Avatar
tmc95
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

I removed mine since I do not want anything that would retain heat in even the slightest fashion in the engine area. As insignificant as they are I want heat escaping as efiiciently as possible.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 08:29 AM
  #13  
Motorhead-47's Avatar
Motorhead-47
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,502
Likes: 82
Default

Does the "toupee" on the intake manifold serve the same purpose? (noise reduction)
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 09:06 AM
  #14  
Dan Wendling's Avatar
Dan Wendling
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg MD
Default Old School Looks

You can make an engine bay look old school with a few extra $. This image is from Gotcha.

Covers are from:

http://www.abearmotorsports.com/

Gotcha has it right. Check this out as well:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1567007649-post36.html
Attached Images  
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 12:49 PM
  #15  
Kent1999's Avatar
Kent1999
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
Default

I trimmed my fuel rail covers so that more of the hardware shows. I'd rather see nice red coil packs than a big ol' Tupperware lid on my engine. I mean if you don't want to see the hardware, why open the hood in the first place?

Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 03:44 PM
  #16  
DAL01's Avatar
DAL01
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by Kent1999
I trimmed my fuel rail covers so that more of the hardware shows. I'd rather see nice red coil packs than a big ol' Tupperware lid on my engine. I mean if you don't want to see the hardware, why open the hood in the first place?


wow, that looks great!!! that is a fantastic idea!! well done combining the best of both worlds. looks great and lets the heat escape. well i know what i am going to be doing this weekend. i really like that (if you couldn't tell

tks, dal
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 04:26 PM
  #17  
PeterM's Avatar
PeterM
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From: NY NY
Default

Originally Posted by tmc95
I removed mine since I do not want anything that would retain heat in even the slightest fashion in the engine area. As insignificant as they are I want heat escaping as efiiciently as possible.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Removing Plastic Engine / Coil Covers

Old Sep 5, 2009 | 12:29 AM
  #18  
'VETTE PHASE's Avatar
'VETTE PHASE
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 11
From: Powell TN
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by PowerLabs
NOTHING with the word "CORVETTE" on it looks gay
Are you sure about that?


Reply
Old Mar 3, 2016 | 12:43 AM
  #19  
SC-C6's Avatar
SC-C6
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 533
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Florida
Default Good job!

Originally Posted by Kent1999
I trimmed my fuel rail covers so that more of the hardware shows. I'd rather see nice red coil packs than a big ol' Tupperware lid on my engine. I mean if you don't want to see the hardware, why open the hood in the first place?



Looks nice, what type of coils are you using?

SC
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2016 | 08:09 AM
  #20  
1bdvet's Avatar
1bdvet
Team Owner
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,782
Likes: 5,623
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by Kent1999
I trimmed my fuel rail covers so that more of the hardware shows. I'd rather see nice red coil packs than a big ol' Tupperware lid on my engine. I mean if you don't want to see the hardware, why open the hood in the first place?

Like it, nicely done.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:18 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE