Do i need the engine cover?

[rabbit21]

Mine has some cracks in it and makes annoying noises! Can i just take it off, or does it serve a purpose?

 

[fUbAr]

nah bin it... i have.

it just gets in the way.

 

[happycallis]

Dont need it mate, Dont have one on my 172 at the mo, if you have a look at some of the other cars on here loads dont have it on.

 

[Gman]

172 cups and trophy's don't even come with them.

 

[rabbit21]

Great, its coming off! Also i have seen some stunning engine bays on here, How do they get them so polished, is it some sort of chrome?

 

[Chrisjk]

I flattened mine down with 120 paper on a drill adapter, then just work up the grades of paper, ideally to get it perfect it needs to be buffed with a metal polisher.

 

[James.f]

Great, its coming off! Also i have seen some stunning engine bays on here, How do they get them so polished, is it some sort of chrome?

Takes Agees, im on my 2nd day on doing the Polished Plenum, ffs i regret starting it, :dead: takes ages with a dremel tho

 

[Ralphizzle]

Use more elbow grease and a Scotchbrite pad + some Alu polish.

 

[James.f]

Current progress of it, dremel is usefull to get into the tight areas, just takes a while,

How would a scotchbrike pad work with the polish tho, as the dremel kind of takes the top layer off to revel the polished look.

 

[Jonff]

There's a guide in the guide section for metal polishing but beware if you do start polishing it yourself it takes alot of time and patience.

I wish I hadn't started doing mine now :dapprove:

 

[rabbit21]

Looks too much like hard work!

 

[James.f]

not a bad job if its sunny and doing it topless in the garden

you could always get it powder coated tho,

 

[Ralphizzle]

Jay i didn't know the state of... with your inlet mani!

The Scotchbrite pad(s) with Alu polish should be the final step and buffing just with cotton cloths and Alu polish.

I only did a 'raw' Alu mountainbike frame to high sheen, chrome-like finish , would shy away from polishing a inlet mani.

 

[James.f]

^ state, that state i did i though id give it a go, seems to be ok, just needs alot of polishing tho, tempted just to spray the damm thing, as its takin so long, + got Fuel Rail and Cover for the Belts to do

 

[Tav]

172 cups and trophy's don't even come with them.

Likewise my 182 Cup. They look gay, get it off!

 

[Curley]

Looks better without

tbh

 

[Russ.]

I took mine off as it rattled on the engine quite abit and made the car sound a bit rough from the outside.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

ive just started polishing mine im on the 2nd day of it and its not working out too bad..

1) first i used a strong thick sandpaper. (get the most of it off)
2) Dewalt Drill with wire brush attachment. (smooth it over)
3) Then Work down the grades on wet and dry sandpaper.
4) Scotchbrite and alu polish should finish it off nicely.

if anyone can add to that be my guest...

 

[Fletcher]

I removed mine ages ago, looks better without it IMO.

 

[Phil_hill]

*thread theft!*

I'm thinking of getting my spruced up.

Am i right in thinking high temp metal paint can just be painted straight on?
and the plastic engine cover can just be primed and painted?

Anyone got a flamer with a painted engine bay?? would be interested what colour combo you've gone for.

cheers