From reading RX8club, I've learned that the grey material that lines the engine bay is to keep heat from the cockpit as well as noise. However, there is also a thick piece bolted to underneath the hood. What is its purpose in that location?

Noise reduction/damping from the engine.

Its been suspected its there to prevent the paint from overheating and subsequently fading due to heat.


But we have no hard facts.

I also believe the plastic clips melt and it falls down and blankets the engine incase there is a fire. [someone told me this i dont remember where, although an oil/gasoline fire isnt exactly easy to put out]

Paint is not the issue and the sun would pose a greater threat than the engine heat through the hood. One benefit of working on an assembly line for Ford......

Actually I've seen plenty of proof that hood lining protects the paint. The RX-7 is proof. I've seen several RX-7's that have lost the hood lining and also had the paint on teh hood be the first to go on teh car by far. I've never seen this happen on cars with hood lining. The cars that have had it have had all of their paint go at the same time. It's definitely there to help protect the paint. Firewall insulation on cars that have it is to keep heat from the engine bay.

It makes the underside of the hood look nice.

It makes the underside of the hood look nice.

don't be silly! it's there so you can wipe your hands on something after changing your oil.

You don't have a dog for that?

hehe. that's the only reason why I wear pants.

his dog is still busy with the peanut butter

it's a spare blanket for when you come home late and the wife locks you out of the house.

I felt underneath there and got a feeling its not going to be easy to put back on if I pop those plastic dots off.

I'd like to hear the engine without that mat. Perhaps it would sound a little louder and the pitch would be shifted higher.

hehe. that's the only reason why I wear pants.


hehehe +1