Couple of weeks ago I was checking my oil at a service station, obviously got distracted by a short skirt in an MX5 and managed to leave behind my engine cover (correct term - cowl??). Went back next day and next week but seemingly gone for ever. What anybody would do with an RX8 engine cover boggles my mind but there you go. Probably hanging on somebody's lounge wall.
Quote for replacement was $350

I assume that the said beast has no other function other than decorative and a degree of protection from the elements but views appreciated as would cheaper source of replacement
Cheers

 

Bandits! Keep an eye out on the local Ebay...it may show up there, especially when it's replacement cost is discovered. There are a few threads about regarding its use/ function, the last I heard was that it helped to direct airflow over the engine and out the flutes in the front guards...good for engine cooling.

Dubious, at best.

Good luck...

Regards, Gomez.

 

Rosso,
It is merely for decoration and I think the cover will rather keep the heat inside rather the air flowing in. Just look at the huge hole on the cover! Imagine 100km/h of air going through those holes to cool the engines. I will rather have it on most time (except track time) for neatness though
I wont buy it from the dealer. Go to IPT in the vendors forum and order a carbon fibre one for the same price :D!
and make sure you take a picture of the short skirt for us next time.

EDIT: manage to get a pic for you. Drool Drool

 

Taka,

That IPT carbon cover looks fab!
But the price doesn't!

It'll be good as a replacement in Rosso Diablo's situation, but otherwise its too expensive for something which is really only a decorative accessory that's rarely on show.
Will certainly impress the mechanics when you get the car serviced though!

 

Red Devil,

I have the engine cover from my LS1 HSV chev engine if you can make it fit?????

Joe

 

Hehe

I used to be US$200 plus postage :p. But I think $350 still very expensive for a piece of plastic still.

 

Try begging a dealer to let it go at cost (best to try the sales guy at the dealer who sold you the car)

Or maybe take one for a test drive ....

Or keep an eye out for a wrecker saying they have one/ or for parts or sale on ebay

Crap luck though.. :-(

 

Try Mazmart in the vendors section also - there could be a totalled out 8 sitting somewhere that they are parting out.

 

I Did The Same Thing With My Pass. Floor Mat. Its Pretty Hard To Find Just One Floormat For Sale

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The carbon option is very tempting Taka. In fact it would be wasted in the engine bay so would definitely put it on my wall
Talking of MX5's and short skirts can you imagine an MX5 with a Renesis engine. Now that would be something worth losing your cowl about.