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Doesn't look like the HTC engine includes the coupe's engine cover that is usually found in gray or red. Also, isn't the clear cover being installed on some HTCs a non-OEM part and not what the factory installs on coupes?
I said the painted plastic cover CAN be installed. It doesn't come from the factory that way, but you can buy the cover and install it yourself. The clear cover has nothing to do with the coupe. It replaces the black plastic engine cover that's held on with 18 torx screws on the HTC. And yes, it's aftermarket.
I didn't think the motor was so plain. Are all HTC this way?
They do. You are looking at the actual intake plenum. GM could have made it more attractive instead of opting for an additional plastic cover in the coupe where the engine is exposed. In fact, it appears that they did make it more attractive for use in the engine cutaway displays.
But who cares? You're not looking at the engine on an HTC.
The impressive engine compartment display was just one of the reason's I chose the C8 coupe over the HTC, even though most of the 42 Corvettes I've owned have been convertibles.
I have seen this mentioned before somewhere on the forum: a C8 HTC engine bay decal.
We personally have no interest in dressing up the engine cover for the 17 seconds it might be visible as the top goes up and down, but I still think this decal is an original idea to give people a peek as to what the engine would look like, if they could see under the cover. The clear plastic covers are maybe $600??, and this decal was $160, when it was in stock. As long as there is an empty black heat shield there, I think a simple vinyl C8 logo would dress it up nicely.
After having our HTC for nearly 3 years, I still can't believe the number of people out there that get so wrapped up in the appearance of a flimsy plastic cover on top of the engine. We also have a Ferrari and get a kick out of those owners joking at Cars & Coffee about the plastic covers on the Corvette engines.
I think it’s really cool that it’s visible in the back of a coupe, however for me it could’ve been a bit more impressive in the SR than a fancy plastic piece. The Z06 on the other hand is very impressive sight under glass. These cars are very impressive machines and the beauty is we have choices to fit each of our our tastes and desires. If the OP wants to see a more impressive engine compartment the opportunity for aftermarket options exist. For GM to put a fancy engine cover on the HTC is complete nonsense, it’s not needed.
Ahhh....a well-educated shopper! Must have purchased on a whim. Myself....I looked deep into my purchase long before putting a deposit down. I knew what to expect prior to receiving! Would think less of a disappointment if you paid 5 minutes of attention to what you were buying. Sorry.
I did plenty of looking and researching and waiting. I just figured it would have some kind of badges or color. I seen people painting their engine covers but this one isn't the same type.
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As others have said, yes, the HTC engine does not have the dress up parts that the coupe has, but if you want to spice up the engine bay, there are a number of forum vendors that can set you up with all sorts of stuff.
I did plenty of looking and researching and waiting. I just figured it would have some kind of badges or color. I seen people painting their engine covers but this one isn't the same type. Nothing a few more bucks won't fix.
That is because it is not a "cover" at all. It is actually the intake plenum or manifold. That same piece lies underneath of the painted plastic covers that you find on the coupe.
I personally think the plenum looks better exposed... the plastic covers have always looked like such an after thought to me. Could GM make the plenum look a little prettier, yeah probably but hey... id rather see the actual motor than some beauty covers (all the way back to c5)
I personally think the plenum looks better exposed... the plastic covers have always looked like such an after thought to me. Could GM make the plenum look a little prettier, yeah probably but hey... id rather see the actual motor than some beauty covers (all the way back to c5)
I would bet very few (including GM designers) share your opinion. That plenum is butt ugly compared to any number of covers available via aftermarket or the OEM coupe covers.
Always wondered if engines (of any make) run hotter with plastic engine covers than cars without plastic covers.
The plastic covers also include a little insulation. Don't know if its for heat, sound, or both. In the HTC, there is silver sided insulation under the engine bay cover. The fact that it is "silvered" suggests to me that it is at least partially for heat, perhaps to protect the plastic engine bay cover. I would offer that the engine will not run hotter, regardless, as the system has thermostatically controlled coolant flow and thermostatically controlled fans to cool the engine bay (and also on the front radiator, AC condensers). The covers will just affect how the heat gets dissipated.
I would bet very few (including GM designers) share your opinion. That plenum is butt ugly compared to any number of covers available via aftermarket or the OEM coupe covers.
Your probably right but I'll still rip the covers off everything I own... I agree the C8 intake isnt as attractive as previous generation but still... meh... Function over form...
I knew ahead of getting my HTC, since I did the research, but fortunately for me I don't care what the engine looks like anyway. It sounds great though with top down in Z mode. You won't be disappointed.
No they all look this way:
Thermal panel prevents heat damage to the rear hatch. Time will tell how the parts will do when running without the insulated panel in place.
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