I was just wondering if it was okay to drive without the plastic in the engine because i ran into some problems with it and before i do anything with it, I want some feedback whether its okay to drive without it.

 

If you're talking about the plastic covers/overlays then it shouldn't make a difference. As far as I know, they're only for appearance, maybe even slightly deaden the sound.

 

Im not sure but correct me if i am wrong. Isn't the covers used to prevent any kind of liquid or anything of the sort from seeping into the engine. Since i've installed the intake and tend to wash the car every week i don't want to ruin it.

 

No, they are just for looks and prevent the "dumb consumer" from mucking around with the insides.

 

That sums it up...Its REALLY hard for liquid to seep into the engine from the outside...

 

The main reason there are plastic covers in the engine bay is because it reduces noise at high speeds.

 

Driving without those covers won't affect the car at all, except maybe dissipating heat better, which is a benefit.

 

Depends on the car...The insulation under the hood does a pretty good job of dampening noises going into the car. But some covers (acura and some other manufacturers) are more for aesthetics. The noise is negligible on those units. To prove a point that its mostly for aesthetics go pull a cover off an is250. Looks like how kia wired up there cars back in the day when they first hit the shores.

 

My comment came from information provided by an Acura engineer. It has to do with preventing the channeling of air against the A pillars, a source of noise in Hondas and Acuras that owners have complained about for some time.

 

Interesting. That works.