Celica Forums Install Guides and Technical Articles Engine and Transmission Guides Plastic Engine Covers - What They Are Used For

Will removing the engine plastics be harmful to my Celica?

Most racers remove the engine plastics only because it get's in the way (for mods) or because they think their engine looks nicer without them.

There is a reason for it being there. If you remove it, you won't feel any difference in weight (or power), what you may notice over time is that your hood is beginning to change color.

The engine plastics are there to protect your factory stock hood from heat discoloration and to prevent violent change in engine block temperature during the winter (which can harm the engine block after the engine is turned off).

Your engine temperature is virtually the same while driving with or without the engine plastics in place. Put a heat sensor strip on top of your engine and see for yourself.

Generally it's wise to leave them in place because of the protection they provide to your hood's paint.


(sorry about the dark photo, but at least you get the idea)

They definately hold no weight savings by taking them off at the track..! But I have to admit they look pretty cool when they are painted in the scheme of the cars colors..!

Hmm those plastics that are mainly on the left side of the engine bay are for aesthetic purposes aren't they? This came to mind because the major heat sources in our cars engine bay is the engine block itself and the headers which are in the back of the engine bay and are ventilated by the hood scoop. I took my engine plastics out because I dont like the plastic look in the engine bay and plus its easier to work on your car w/o them on. I've had them off for quite a while and noticed NO color changes in my hood. So I saw no point for the engine plastics... just my two cents

I will keep it on because there is a place holder for the hood support. Without it, the hood support maybe bounceing around while driving.