Any disadvantages to removing engine covers?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Cen TX
Any disadvantages to removing engine covers?
Not really the most technical question, but are there any down sides to removing the engine covers on an LS3 Corvette?
I came from an LS2 GTO were it was a rule of thumb to yank the engine covers, unless you wanted to watch your Goat burn, but most of the Vettes I see have the engine covers in place.
I guess I just prefer looking at the motor when I pop the hood, I actually think the LS motors look pretty dang good naked.
I came from an LS2 GTO were it was a rule of thumb to yank the engine covers, unless you wanted to watch your Goat burn, but most of the Vettes I see have the engine covers in place.
I guess I just prefer looking at the motor when I pop the hood, I actually think the LS motors look pretty dang good naked.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
The only disadvantage you will find is criticism from the Corvette purists.
Those cheap looking plastic engine covers were the first thing I pulled off my car when it came home.
To me, they are as bad as a cheap set of hubcaps.
Those cheap looking plastic engine covers were the first thing I pulled off my car when it came home.
To me, they are as bad as a cheap set of hubcaps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,453
Likes: 700
From: Sausalito CA
I have removed mine over 3 or more years ago.
No issues, including very little dust/ dirt transfering to coil area.
FWIW I think it may even be a benefit as less heat is retained over the valve train/ intake area when the vehicle is turned off.
These OEM covers are most likely only for appearance and sound deadening.
No issues, including very little dust/ dirt transfering to coil area.
FWIW I think it may even be a benefit as less heat is retained over the valve train/ intake area when the vehicle is turned off.
These OEM covers are most likely only for appearance and sound deadening.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
I removed the covers and hood insulator quite some time ago. I haven't experienced any issues on the street, track, or in the rain. I used to keep them on for hood-popping car shows but since I don't bother with that anymore (still go to shows, just don't pop the hood) I keep everything off to help with heat dissipation. Personally most modern engines look like sh*t with all the wires, hoses, etc. Especially the coil pack set up of the LS engines. JMO.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,663
Likes: 358
From: Canyon Country, California
Not really the most technical question, but are there any down sides to removing the engine covers on an LS3 Corvette?
I came from an LS2 GTO were it was a rule of thumb to yank the engine covers, unless you wanted to watch your Goat burn, but most of the Vettes I see have the engine covers in place.
I guess I just prefer looking at the motor when I pop the hood, I actually think the LS motors look pretty dang good naked.
I came from an LS2 GTO were it was a rule of thumb to yank the engine covers, unless you wanted to watch your Goat burn, but most of the Vettes I see have the engine covers in place.
I guess I just prefer looking at the motor when I pop the hood, I actually think the LS motors look pretty dang good naked.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 796
From: West coast CA
With the plastic covers, we are presented instead with a caricature of a conventional, top-heavy DOHC engine. Mine came off the day I got the car home.
And in addition to looking silly, they get in the way of maintenance.
Last edited by torquetube; Feb 23, 2012 at 02:30 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
I don't understand why people don't want to see the coil packs. A motor with eight individual electronically-controlled coils - that's trick stuff. Not to mention the narrow valve covers and plainly-visible spark plugs that are right there, underscoring just how compact a 2V pushrod motor is.
With the plastic covers, we are presented instead with a caricature of a conventional, top-heavy DOHC engine. Mine came off the day I got the car home.
And in addition to looking silly, they get in the way of maintenance.
With the plastic covers, we are presented instead with a caricature of a conventional, top-heavy DOHC engine. Mine came off the day I got the car home.
And in addition to looking silly, they get in the way of maintenance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
I was debating removing the inner fender/side vent pieces as well. I was in there a few weeks ago and it doesn't look like it's a straight path to the engine bay. I'm sure every little bit can help, even if it's unmeasurable. Was it that involved in removing them?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 46
From: va
theyre glued to the inside of the fender and may have a single screw or something. it took less than 5 min for each
ill see if I can find the gm instructions and post them up
EDIT:
non gm instructions but the images should help
http://store.corvetteforum.com/files...ctions/748.pdf
http://www.racemeshgrilles.com/insta...n.htm#Corvette
basically youll pull the plastic piece away from the fender, and it should let go because its just double sided tape
i think there was a screw or two but I cant remember where exactly. everything is pretty straightforward once you get in there and look at it
edit #155: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/atta...ve-install.pdf
contains a picture with where the screws attach
ill see if I can find the gm instructions and post them up
EDIT:
non gm instructions but the images should help
http://store.corvetteforum.com/files...ctions/748.pdf
http://www.racemeshgrilles.com/insta...n.htm#Corvette
basically youll pull the plastic piece away from the fender, and it should let go because its just double sided tape
i think there was a screw or two but I cant remember where exactly. everything is pretty straightforward once you get in there and look at it
edit #155: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/atta...ve-install.pdf
contains a picture with where the screws attach
Last edited by el es tu; Feb 23, 2012 at 01:33 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
theyre glued to the inside of the fender and may have a single screw or something. it took less than 5 min for each
ill see if I can find the gm instructions and post them up
EDIT:
non gm instructions but the images should help
http://store.corvetteforum.com/files...ctions/748.pdf
http://www.racemeshgrilles.com/insta...n.htm#Corvette
basically youll pull the plastic piece away from the fender, and it should let go because its just double sided tape
i think there was a screw or two but I cant remember where exactly. everything is pretty straightforward once you get in there and look at it
edit #155: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/atta...ve-install.pdf
contains a picture with where the screws attach
ill see if I can find the gm instructions and post them up
EDIT:
non gm instructions but the images should help
http://store.corvetteforum.com/files...ctions/748.pdf
http://www.racemeshgrilles.com/insta...n.htm#Corvette
basically youll pull the plastic piece away from the fender, and it should let go because its just double sided tape
i think there was a screw or two but I cant remember where exactly. everything is pretty straightforward once you get in there and look at it
edit #155: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/atta...ve-install.pdf
contains a picture with where the screws attach