How many people have done this?

[firebirdvert305]

Hey people i was just curious to know how many people run there dsm without the following. I wanted to remove the spark plug cover, exhaust manifold heat cover and timing belt cover. How many people have done this with no ill effects? And even if you did run it like this...tell me some effects that you ran into?

 

[weith1111]

Hey people i was just curious to know how many people run there dsm without the following. I wanted to remove the spark plug cover, exhaust manifold heat cover and timing belt cover. How many people have done this with no ill effects? And even if you did run it like this...tell me some effects that you ran into?

no spark plug cover = not a big deal = I do it

no heat shield = adds heat to EVERYTHING under the hood (not too good) = I do it, can't find a heat shield from anyone, and I ain't paying $80 for one from a shop

no timing belt cover = stupid = I don't do it

 

[wolf20043]

no spark plug cover = not a big deal = I do it

no heat shield = adds heat to EVERYTHING under the hood (not too good) = I do it, can't find a heat shield from anyone, and I ain't paying $80 for one from a shop

no timing belt cover = stupid = I don't do it

Agreed on the timing cover. It is there for a reason, to keep foriegn objects from your belt. I would definately leave it on.
Mike

 

[CanadianTSi]

I've ran with no timing belt cover for 3 years with 0 problems, I agree that it's risky but it's a risk I'm willing to take

I think that no exhaust manifold cover is not a good Idea. You can find a beautiful cover for cheap at www.jmfabrications.com

 

[blackGSX2g]

I agree ^

The spark plug cover is for asthetics, but the head shield and timing belt cover serve purposes. I run without my heat shield as well, but I wouldn't recommend it. Only major downside to that is your o2 sensor wire might hit the manifold and melt.

The timing belt cover is a big one though. I'm assuming you are talking about the upper belt cover, but I would leave that on as well. I don't remember how many times things have fallen in that area when I am working on my car. It would be DSM luck that you would drop a 10mm socket down there and chew up your belt.

 

[99gst_racer]

Yes, weith1111's post is correct.

I too run without a spark plug cover. It is simply a dress-up item and is not a necessity.

The exhaust manifold heatshield is something I would consider important to have. It helps contain the exhaust heat radiated off of the manifold. Without it, your intake temps will probably be a little higher.

Regarding the t-belt cover - Your timing belt basically links your entire rotating assembly to make everything spin conjointly with each other. That cover protects that belt. I see no reason whatsoever to remove the timing belt cover on a street car.

I've personally seen and instance where a gentleman who removed the cover (and also lived on a gravel road), managed to get a small pebble embedded in his timing belt. Needless to say, after doing a valve job due to jumped timing, he immediately re-installed his upper and lower timing belt covers.

 

[weith1111]

I've ran with no timing belt cover for 3 years with 0 problems, I agree that it's risky but it's a risk I'm willing to take

There is no reason to have no timing cover on. Even if you have adjustable cam gears and want to show them off (I have them), no one is looking while the motor is running. Take the cover off while it's parked/at a show, but for G's sake put it on while you are driving. All it takes is for a rock or loose bolt to bounce it's way in there, or another belt to shred and chuncks go flying, whatever, and you are looking at new valves/pistons, head work. Not worth it. It's things like this where you aren't going to think anything of it until it happens, then you are going to smack yourself and wonder why you didn't just put it on.

I mean, do you leave your doors unlocked? Leave your wallet at the bar while you go to take a piss?

You can find a beautiful cover for cheap at www.jmfabrications.com

Hmm, $45, not a bad deal. Wonder how it compares to the stock heat shield. Material and color/finish make a difference.

For clarification on the TB cover, we are talking about the top cover, I hope no one would be dumb enough to run without a bottom cover, that area is pretty much exposed to the road!

 

[MyBeatGSX]

Like he said^, its only 2 bolts to take off the timing cover, there's no reason to keep it off even with adjustable gears. Can you see the gears turn from inside the car?
I can't....

As for the heat sheild... they put it there for a reason. When your glowing red manifold starts to melt stuff under the hood, you'll wonder why you took it off.

 

[95TalonOwner]

The '91 Laser RS Turbo i just picked up has had all three off for two years with zero problems.

 

[Defiant]

Hey people i was just curious to know how many people run there dsm without the following.

Many people do it.

I wanted to remove the spark plug cover,

Not much effect. The wires may arc through their insulation a few thousand miles sooner.

exhaust manifold heat cover

Search "Melted Fan".

and timing belt cover.

A rock the size of a bb can cause a timing belt to slip its engagement with the crank sprocket. This will grenade your engine.

How many people have done this with no ill effects?

Very many, as the Gallery will show you.
Many run huge wings, too.

 

[robmea]

I would not recomend taking off the timing belt cover just because these engines are so delicate with the timing belt and if it were to break you would strongly regret it

 

[SkyLineGtR-R34]

some of you mentioned that heat shield is important, can't you use the exhaust and turbo wrap, too, to keep the temps under the hood down?
i know that SBR sells some.

 

[Vallary99]

I don't have the spark plug cover, heat shield, or upper timing belt cover on my car. I would NEVER run without the lower timing belt cover. So far no ill effects but I am going to paint the upper timing belt cover and put it back on the car. I'm just paranoid. I can't run a heit shield because of my turbo and manifold upgrades. Heat wrap and such helps but I really don't see where it is necessary. I don't have any heat wrap anyway.