new owner with questions
 

With two first gen race cars, two turboII's and two verts in and around the driveway I just bought a 2005 sport model with only 25k on it. Does the plastic piece over the engine serve any purpose? Is 20-40 oil a better idea? Is the light oil for fuel economy or is it making less carbon in the motor? The auto dimming mirror has a piece of tape over a hole facing the hood, is it normal? I take it that I need to call the local mazda dealer and give him my vin to get the latest flash on the computer and or any recalls or updates. all and any info is appeciated.

The engine cover supposedly provides means for air circulation under the hood to vent the heat out the underside, but it is debated.

Oil was picked for emissions...heavier oils are recommended by pretty much everyone around here.

The auto dimming mirror should have no tape over the sensor, this would effectively have it on all the time which would be weird I would think.