I just purchased an FX 35 about a month ago. It replaced a Lexus RX300 and a Porsche Boxster S. It's a great blend of the two and I love it. The only complaint (if you can call it that) and it's with most vehicles these days is the huge plastic cover over the engine. Why do most car manufactures have a piece of plastic over their engines? Am I suppose to open my hood and marvel at the vast expanse of plastic? Wow, all that plastic is really awesome. Why not just leave the plastic off and let the engine run cooler? Like I say it's just my only complaint, a great SUV and a fun to drive. Does anyone know if there's a reason for this?
Why the Plastic Over the Engine
- Thread starter TomBlue
- Start date
- Car
- 09 FX50
what plastic?
mine's been off for over a year lmao
mine's been off for over a year lmao
Plastice
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
Thanks. I'M OUT THERE!
Thanks! I'm OUT THERE!:eek.:
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
Thanks. I'M OUT THERE!
- Name
- Sj
i'm going to take mine off and spray paint the upper plenum Krylon Copper for the heck of it...:sluggish::alien::stupido:
- Name
- Sj
hey stu, please open a new thread for your question, this thread is about the plastic cover!!! :wink (2):
F
Fire0nic3
Guest
WOW people just find the smallest things to complain about.
This is exactly why consumer reports for vehicles are not correct and exact, cause people complain about every little thing they can think of.
If there was no plastic engine cover, then people would be complaining about it not having one.
This is exactly why consumer reports for vehicles are not correct and exact, cause people complain about every little thing they can think of.
If there was no plastic engine cover, then people would be complaining about it not having one.
ThE Fx 45 BeAsT
Member
a maybe cut down some noise???? nah just for decorations
If they aren't complaining about the cars they're complaining about the posts.
- Car
- 2003 FX35T
- Name
- Brad
HAHA!!!! +1
People rippin for no reason.
Engine cover can be removed but the plenum is pretty raw. Most of us tend to paint, coat or polish it for looks. The cover serves no demonstrated purpose (I have never seen dyno proof) other than aesthetics.
Once the engine cover is gone, there are some visible hoses and wires. That's why you see some aftermarket options that expose the plenum, but cover the crank case and wires.
///7571
- Car
- 2003 FX35T
- Name
- Brad
As long as you are doing the CAI - go for the plenum spacer. IMO the best bang for the buck mod.
I think, to the average Joe, the engine cover serves two purposes.
First it makes the engine bay look "cleaner" by covering all the parts that can gather dust, oil, etc... Lots of potential car buyers feel the need to look under the hood even when they haven't the slightest idea what is is they are seeing under there. The cover just looks "better" to most people, my wife included. It is a barrier between the reality that there is one hell of a complex piece of technology under that hood. It can also be wiped clean way easier than detailing the block itself.
Second, the engine cover makes the dealership money. Here's how: Say a guy has a fairly limited mechanical inclination, few tools, and a small amount of experience under the hood of any car, but is very willing to try his hand at DIY car maintenance. Say this guy buys an FX used and is glancing through his maintenance schedule one day when he notices it's time to change his spark plugs. He remembers doing this a few years ago with his last car and decides to give it a go. He pops the hood and BAM, engine cover.
He can't even tell where the spark plugs are, let alone deduce whether or not he is up to the task. With a sigh, he decides to close up the hood and schedule an appointment with the dealer.
I've seen that happen first hand with a friend of mine, though not with an FX. I tried to explain to him how easy it is to remove the cover but the mere thought of what may have been under the cover ("all the wires and hoses") was enough to dissuade him from even trying. Dealer - 1, DIY - 0. All thanks to a big ass piece of plastic bolted to the motor. :frown:
First it makes the engine bay look "cleaner" by covering all the parts that can gather dust, oil, etc... Lots of potential car buyers feel the need to look under the hood even when they haven't the slightest idea what is is they are seeing under there. The cover just looks "better" to most people, my wife included. It is a barrier between the reality that there is one hell of a complex piece of technology under that hood. It can also be wiped clean way easier than detailing the block itself.
Second, the engine cover makes the dealership money. Here's how: Say a guy has a fairly limited mechanical inclination, few tools, and a small amount of experience under the hood of any car, but is very willing to try his hand at DIY car maintenance. Say this guy buys an FX used and is glancing through his maintenance schedule one day when he notices it's time to change his spark plugs. He remembers doing this a few years ago with his last car and decides to give it a go. He pops the hood and BAM, engine cover.
He can't even tell where the spark plugs are, let alone deduce whether or not he is up to the task. With a sigh, he decides to close up the hood and schedule an appointment with the dealer. I've seen that happen first hand with a friend of mine, though not with an FX. I tried to explain to him how easy it is to remove the cover but the mere thought of what may have been under the cover ("all the wires and hoses") was enough to dissuade him from even trying. Dealer - 1, DIY - 0. All thanks to a big ass piece of plastic bolted to the motor. :frown: