Has anyone ever made an engine cover for the 2.8? I been looking around at v6 and v8 covers looking for something suitable has anyone ever fooled around with this? I think the 3800sc and some of the LS engine covers have most potential. If heating could be a problem perhaps it could be discussed. I really think something cool could be made to modernise the look of stock engine. I wouldn't display a spec the engine didn't have V8 or supercharged sign to be filled with company badges of other makes along with oil cap hole to be relocated over correct position if possible or the ability to lift of cover with ease and keep engine unmodified underneath I don't know if anyone has even talked of this other than laughing at some of the kit cars poor plastic engine bays. If you have had thoughts on this i would love to hear your views. Perhaps stupid idea to some but just thinking aesthetics as want to change motor like everyone butt think stock engine could be dressed up a little. image found at myfiero.com eg shave off 2 pipes if really keen could live with this one just remove replace the badges.
I always thought those new engine covers were there to cover up what is otherwise a very ugly upper intake manifold (usually plastic too). At least in my experience, the plastic manifolds under those covers have been fairly unattractive. Seems a shame to use one to cover up the nice looking Fiero manifold. Just my opinion though. I'm sure, judging by the other fab work I've seen on this site, someone could make something look pretty nice though.
------------------ Past: 1988 base coupe sold 1984 base coupe rust Present: 1986 SE 2m6
Its going to be opinion, but the plastic cover look is generally to cover up an ugly technical looking function only engine (newer engines), the Fiero's 2.8 is good looking already.
There used to be a Lambo V12 style engine cover made mostly for kit cars. I dont remember who sold them. One idea I toyed with on my SuperBee was to paint the hood like the center was ripped open to show an lifesized airbrushed pic of a dual 4bbl Hemi engine.
Its going to be opinion, but the plastic cover look is generally to cover up an ugly technical looking function only engine (newer engines), the Fiero's 2.8 is good looking already.
Yeah, the lack of a tacky engine cover is one reason I like Fieros...
If I wanted a modern car, I would have bought one.
Plastic covers don't look good; they scream cost-cutting and no effort/care to make the engine below presentable.
It's pretty lame when an 80s Fiero has a better looking engine than a new LT-powered Tupperware-equipped Corvette.
[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 11-21-2016).]
I hate them. 1. They trap heat and cook wiring and often other parts w/ cut lifetime for them. Fiero, V6 is worse, w/o this junk cooks vac lines etc because engine bay air get very hot very fast when in slow/stopped traffic.
2. Adding engine oil etc is a pain w/ many and if spilled cleanup can take a lot longer.
I remove one on the Kia years ago for these reasons.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I agree with many of the sentiments expressed here. An engine cover for the Fiero's 2.8 would probably be at the bottom of my list for potential modifications.
I hate them. 1. They trap heat and cook wiring and often other parts w/ cut lifetime for them. Fiero, V6 is worse, w/o this junk cooks vac lines etc because engine bay air get very hot very fast when in slow/stopped traffic.
2. Adding engine oil etc is a pain w/ many and if spilled cleanup can take a lot longer.
I remove one on the Kia years ago for these reasons.
I've had the connector on my V6 Fiero's ignition coil kind of melt (requiring replacement), and the engine wasn't overheating... It was just summertime.
Probably to add an engine cover and not have issues, one would need to look over the engine harness with a fine-toothed comb, and make sure that all connectors/wires/everything is rated for 150°C rather than the typical 125°C automotive temp. Quite an undertaking. Things like sensors become difficult; how to upgrade the service temp of a connector that's built-into a sensor?
Originally posted by pmbrunelle: I've had the connector on my V6 Fiero's ignition coil kind of melt (requiring replacement), and the engine wasn't overheating... It was just summertime.
Probably to add an engine cover and not have issues, one would need to look over the engine harness with a fine-toothed comb, and make sure that all connectors/wires/everything is rated for 150°C rather than the typical 125°C automotive temp. Quite an undertaking. Things like sensors become difficult; how to upgrade the service temp of a connector that's built-into a sensor?
You might upgrade wire but most times likely won't help when connectors are baked. Most times you can't upgrade connectors to higher temp.
GM and other connectors only came from a few factories. GM parts are Now Delphi or Contract parts. Delphi, and most OE contractors, rates most connectors and sensors at 125°C, a few only 85°C oddly one is some lamp sockets. Some might be higher but you have to ask manufacturers because that spec is often not published in their catalogs or are burred... Delphi Fluid Temperature Sensors (Pdf - Later ECT for Fiero is this.) Operating temperature: -40°C to 135°C at http://www.delphi.com/manuf...ine-and-transmission
Even w/ higher temps, Sensors in/on head(s) or block can cook over time just longer w/ higher #. Connector to them can/will cook over time w/ 125°C rating but most take years. Most Fiero engine connectors just break locking ears after decades of use unless too close to exhaust or have exhaust leaks. "melting" coil plugs could be missing heat shield(s), exhaust leak, etc.
Dorman and many others buy same parts as GM or is often a low grade clone part. Example: www.whiteproducts.com buys Delphi Weather pack etc from Delphi then loose pack to sell to the public. Most others have less choice and/or sell only/mainly as pig tails like Dorman.
I actually like the Fiero's plenum top instead of a cover also.. It has "Design".. But of all, I like the 88's the best with the carved into Fiero name instead of the decal.. I could see a cover keeping the dirt and dust off but definitely trapping the heat in...
My jEEP has a cover and been debating to take it off.. But then every oil change, I'm cleaning it off.. With scrub brushes! So do I take it off? I know that when I'm crawling in the trails that heat is just building up in there. I want to eventually put vent louvers in the hood to help cooling but when the rain hits, that cover will really come in handy. The louvers may be just enough to let the heat escape?
[This message has been edited by unboundmo (edited 11-27-2016).]