Engine covers. Why?

[YnotVW]

As it came up in another thread why do you think there is an engine cover? Looks? Purpose? PITA?

I think they are PITA and tend to be just more parts to make sure I have all the bolts for. My wife still has her's because she likes it original, and I have lost one of the bolts. But I'd probably have thrown it in storage if the car was mine. And the only reason of that the general public thinks they "need" them.

[wuwei37405]

It looks cool! Does everything in life have to make sense?

[jayman]

if you paint them i heard it adds 5hp lol

[Daox]

Its mostly for looks and noise reduction. Most engine covers have some acoustic dampening material under them. I suppose they could also double as some insulation to keep your engine warmer in winter.

I really don't mind them. You have to remove a whole 4 small bolts/nuts to get them off. Its not a big deal.

[NYChevoo]

Engine covers! Whats that all about? Painted for more horsepower, removed for a lighter engine?

[thehunterooo]

I painted mine and gained a little power, worth the time if you some more power....

[jriggs87]

I agree with Doax, i said before its 4 3/16ths allen wrench bolts, maybe takes an extra minute.. I also believe that it helps protect the wires and boots from the elements (humidity, condensation, moisture, dust etc..) the way I see it, if chevy(or any company for that matter) wanted to save thousands of dollars in plastic, they would not have made engine covers.
even though this is engine related shouldnt this be in general discussion? its not very 'technical'

[YnotVW]

I also believe that it helps protect the wires and boots from the elements (humidity, condensation, moisture, dust etc..)

Spark plug wires have been exposed for over 100 yrs with no issue. I think they are designed to handle the humidity, dust, ect.

The closest 2 things I see are for looks and sound deadening. Also, as far as the reasoning auto makers started using them would be to make the engine bays "prettier" and throw off the people who THINK they know how to work on their car.

As I've said, YES, it is only FOUR metric bolts. However, thats 4 more bolts I have to keep track of. I just don't use them nor care to. Thought I'd ask why you guys leave them on.

[Daox]

thought i'd ask why you guys leave them on.

Its pretty!

Dunno how much difference in noise it makes with it off. I haven't really driven with it off.

[trempus]

i had mine off for about a month while i was painting it, and there's no difference in sound