Not sure if this has been discussed before....

Last spring after messing with MAF sensors I noticed how hot the top of the engine gets, including the MAF. After replacing the defenctive GM reman, I left the engine top cover off and noticed, by hand, that the engine (and MAF) are much cooler. I did not have a laser/temp at the time to measure actual temps. I know the engine isn't as neet looking as everything is visible. Wondering the longevity of things with the cover off. Seems reuced heat on electrical componants is a good thing. Any thoughts or opinions?

Heat and plastic is not a good mix. I removed mine years ago and never looked back.

Don't get us started on "cooler to the touch" (And old ridiculous statement of an Admins gone by" on another matter) Testing an engine for heat dynamics takes alot more than sitting still with the hood up. The engine compartment environment there is totally different with the hood shut and the fans on/air flow of a moving vehicle.I also don't see a smaller changes in ambient air temperature having much of anything to do with the air passing through a intake. It should be isolated from it to begin with. As far as engine heat itself? To many factors influence this to worry about compartment temp. Including GM'* PCM software that makes the 3800 run hot for efficiency/gas mileage.

I've never noticed a difference on the temp gauge between it on or off so I leave it on for looks

Mine doesn't fit anymore...

Nor would you ever. If indeed the surrounding air was colder than with that thing on, the thermostat would continue to regulate the temperature, which in this case would cause it to stay more closed than it would otherwise.

I've left mine off on all of my cars except for the Bonneville, and the only reason for that is because I rather like the look of it.

I took mine off a while back, it'* been hanging on my garage wall since. Can't say whether it actually made any difference or not, but the fact that it has all sorts of foam under it leads me to believe it holds in heat. It'* mostly just a personal preference in my opinion.

I would think it'* more of a issue of heat soak. When you shut the engine down it will hold the heat in longer. I personally don't want that. I've blocked off my coolant passages to the supercharger and have a open hood to cool off the top end.

I say if you have a damn clean enigne and a shiny supercharger... Hell ya leave it off!



As far as temperature is concerned... I've heard that the engine covers are there to keep the engine bay heat down, but I have proof either way.

Mine looks better on. It is also insulated with foam.