TerenceT

not sure if this is the right forum

but are you guys going to keep the engine cover on when you get the car or take it off?

also
is there a rear tower bar availible for this car or the C pillar is doing all the work?

Digisan

A: Dunno

B: Yes, there is a stock rear brace behind the seats

neit_jnf

A: I handled the cover when i saw the car and I found it to be quite light in weight. It may even help with airflow, so I'm planning on keeping it on.

B: There's a V brace behind the rear seats that's why they don't fold down but I also saw an optional Mazdaspeed shock-tower installed rear brace as well as underbody X-braces.

Anybody know what the underbody X-brace is for? I thought this chassis was as rigid as it can get...

RomanoM

That's technically not possible, you can always make something stiffer.

The real question is by how much and at what price and weight gain!?

Extra bracing may only add weight and cost with a nearly negligible increase in stiffness, making the brace not just useless but a drawback.

Or it may not! Only the structural engineer knows for sure

A: Depends what it looks like under there, chances are it's not pretty. Like most cars.

B: I would bet any more bracing will be of very, very little benefit. You'll just be adding weight.

JRobUSC

without the engine cover all you can see is the alternator and some tubing. The engine is tucked low and under where the windshield starts, so there's really nothing to look at, making the cover on much prettier than the cover off.

B-Nez

Also, according to the technical highlights CD, the cover provides cooling for the battery. I think there was something else over there that is cooled, also, but I can't remember what it was. Oh darn - I guess I'll have to watch the technical highlights CD again...:D

MrWigggles

The cover makes things prettier and should reduce the sound from the engine a little as well.

I plan to keep mine on unless an aftermarket FI system forces me to take it off.

-Mr. Wigggles

TerenceT

wouldn't taking it off provide more cooling tho?

zoom44

not if it is used to direct air to a certain spot. removing it could cause that area to become too hot.

QuantumTheory08

Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think Truseville is offering color coordinated covers for the engines; check it out!

B-Nez

The underside of it has channels directing air to the battery. Without the cover, you'd be leaving it up to luck that enough air gets to that spot.

Farsyde

AMEN!!! Nothing like showing of a barking turbo or whinning super.

JaxFL_RX8

Wait a minute... those pics above are photoshopped images of that Autoart model. Yeah I'll take two, here's my credit card number...

tribal azn2

or u could just spray paint them

QuantumTheory08

.....Sneaky Sneaky

I couldn't help myself.

wizardrummer

Leave it on...........

ibfubar2000

looks great though. maybe somebody reading this will make real ones!