Anyone running without it and just take it off all the time? Does it do anything functional to keep heat in or whatnot, or is it all show and can be removed?

 

I don't have it on. It doesn't fit since I've got the Mazdaspeed front strut tower bar.

It just pops out; up and then towards the front of the car.

 

Repost. There was a thread regarding the engine cover. If you can get a hold of PoLak, he can give you the details.

 

cool ill search. i was just wondering if it did anything practical. Ive removed it to check the oil several times, and was contemplating just leaving it off.

 

It does seem like a pain to have to take it off every time you check the oil.

 

1) You don't need to remove it to check the oil - I just use a long-sleeved barbecue glove to grab the dip stick.

2) It serves no purpose whatsover.

 

good then its coming off permenently

 

It's a good place to set your beer when you're working on the transission. :D

 

Youve already worked on your tranny? upgrade or what?

 

This could be blended into the "stupid questions about your 8" thread....Next time someone asks you what type of engine that thing has in it, you just respond..."engine, oh I'm not sure. I think it's made of plastic.." and point to the cover. Maybe that will get them to stop asking stupid questions?

In general though, its cosmetic, not functional.

 

there is multiple people who have posted that it DOES do something- it supposedly directs air to certain parts of the engine>? I used a dremel to open the side holes a little to allow for my JIC carbon strut bar up there

 

I doubt anything will happen if you don't have it on...

The Dealer: "You voided warranty because you didn't have your engine cover on"... :p :p

 

My 85 RX-7 ran perfectly fine without one, and this one runs perfectly fine without it.

I'm thinking I'll embed it in Lucite and make a coffee table out of it ...

 

to each their own- but when it is over 100 degrees here in the summer and my rotary already runs hot, I am going to have to go with mazda on this one- but again, to each their own

 

Verified with the "Rotary Specialist" tech at my dealership.

 

So what does Mazda say about the engine cover....?

 

mazda said it directs air over certain parts of the engine is all I know and have heard, if we can ditch it great!- I pry will in the winter and spring and fall, but here the summer can just get nasty hot

 

I took it off so both me AND my 8 go COMMANDO

 

I'm not trying to make a federal issue out of it, but where is the information you (Mazda) are referring to? Is it in the owners manual or some other Mazda source?

 

Yeah, I can't see the engine cover helping much, other than to prevent some heat from reaching the hood. I'd rather see the motor have plenty of room to breathe.

 

I like my cover on . No problems checking oil with it, and taking it off once every 4-6 weeks to add oil ain't no big deal.

rx8cited

 

I use the bbq mitt trick too to check my oil.

Along the same food line, if someone could make a stainless engine cover, flat on top, with a rim around the edge, I could use it to cook hot dogs and hamburgers at the OU tailgating parties coming up this fall. Who says trucks and RV's get to have all the fun? If anyone else is interested, maybe we can get a group buy going on this.

 

i did.. I think it made a better cooling..

 

My service guy said it distibutes air and reduces noise. I haven't tested or seen in writing, so this is just word of mouth.

 

My "RX-8 Specialist" at my dealer says that it's just window dressing. It does have some heat-sheild benefits, but instead of keeping the engine cooler, just keeps the hood from getting so hot. He said that he was told it's there because (and someone before said this too ...) that the RX-8 engine isn't much to look at because it's tucked up under the cowl of the car, therefore, the pretty cover.

Personally, I think that alternator is beautiful!