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Engine Cover on your 8

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Old May 30, 2007 | 07:20 AM
  #1  
XXXrx8XXX's Avatar
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Mazda Mica Grey 2006 GT
 
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Engine Cover on your 8

Okay so whats up with mazda and the engine cover , i noticed that on very hot days the engine boils under that cover so i decided to drive without it during the summer months, seems to cool of the engine a lil better plus i got some mesh grills on my oil coolers, have u guys taken urs off????
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Old May 30, 2007 | 07:22 AM
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Yep, I drive commando when it's hot.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 07:36 AM
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I haven't had my engine cover on for almost 4 years now.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:02 AM
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Should I take mine off?? Would it benefit the engine?
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:08 AM
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Cosmetic thing until proven otherwise.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:13 AM
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I don't think it will "benefit" the engine, but it certainly doesn't appear to be hurting it either.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:20 AM
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I didn't think it would make such a big difference, but I'll do it now!
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:23 AM
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:23 AM
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TeamRx8 does auto-x racing and found that mesh grills seem to raise temperatures significantly.

Also, someone said that (his brothers uncles friends j/king) Mazda said that the cover directs air over the engine at speed. If you spend lots of time at low speeds (stop-and-go etc) then you might be better loosing the covers.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:32 AM
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Tears, the beauty of your engine bay brings a tear to my eye!
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:36 AM
  #11  
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I havent had my engine cover on in over a year. I'm happy to run without it. No negative side effects whatsoever.

Besides just think of that 2lbs you are saving -- better gas mileage and acceleration! haha
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by hough2696
Tears, the beauty of your engine bay brings a tear to my eye!
awww, thanks.................
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:44 AM
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I also read in one of the previous threads that the engine cover was actually designed to direct air flow over the engine, but i dont remember if that was proven, does anyone else know?
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by PRL 84U
I also read in one of the previous threads that the engine cover was actually designed to direct air flow over the engine, but i dont remember if that was proven, does anyone else know?
Like I said, I haven't had mine on in almost 4 years. I spent 3 summers in the desert of El Paso with no problems at all.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by NoTears316
Like I said, I haven't had mine on in almost 4 years. I spent 3 summers in the desert of El Paso with no problems at all.
I know this is off topic, but how is that intake? Loud? I almost bought it last summer.

For the thread. I've had mine off since day 1.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 09:38 AM
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I keep mine on. I like the look of it when I pop the hood. Makes me all fuzzy inside.

Even after the turbo goes on I will try to keep it on.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 09:44 AM
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Is this even a Question ? I mean MOST new cars today comes with some sort of *engine* cover. Its there to make it look nice.

I took it out for more than a year. big deal.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:18 AM
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I took mine off. Service advisor at the Mazda dealer actually recommended that I take it off, to help keep the engine a little cooler.

Mazda put it there purely for cosmetic reasons. It serves no purpose other than to look pretty.

Now I don't know if there really is a benefit to taking it off, who knows how much, if at all, cooler the engine is without it. But I know it's not hurting anything by not being there. And like toxin440 said, it saves 2 lbs. by leaving it in your garage!
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:26 AM
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https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hermal+imaging
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...=thermographic

Those both show that the engine cover keeps the heat somewhat localized to the area around your alternator and the actual engine.

The engine cover might keep intake temps lower?
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:36 AM
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My covers are on. The cover can't create a big difference in temperature especially being stock.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:51 AM
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Someone should just take the temp. with and without it on. Settle this.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 11:04 AM
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i read some were, i forget were, that in the unlikely event of an engine fire, the engine cover, when melting actually can put out the fire. it has like fire retardent meterials in it.


i dont know if its true.
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Old May 30, 2007 | 11:06 AM
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I'll get the thermal cam on it...I'll even do video...
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Old May 30, 2007 | 11:24 AM
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^ Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old May 30, 2007 | 05:19 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by rg200amp
i read some were, i forget were, that in the unlikely event of an engine fire, the engine cover, when melting actually can put out the fire. it has like fire retardent meterials in it.


i dont know if its true.
No offense...but that sounds slightly rediculous
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