Turtle Shell Cover

[martosss]

hello everyone,

I have used the search but it just brings up alot of For Sale Options.

How many people remove the factory plastic turtle shell cover from there engine bay?

im aware that it's a heat soak issue so i was wondering how many ppl actually take it off or it doesnt really do anything?

Cheers

[Invasionss]

Martosss,

I think everyone removes the turtle sheel cover from the engine. I think it's only purpose would be, is some slight protection to the electrics???
The heat soak thing, well who knows, some say it's crap, other people say it's a hot important topic!

Hsv came only put the twin engine covers on the gts, why not all their models?
The VZ'd series has another huge engine cover on it! Why on hsv gone back on it twin cover idea???

If the heat soak is so important, why haven't they done something about it?

[seedyrom]

Some make it a feature :D

http://www.australianmusclecarsales.com.au/muscle_image?node_id=70292

[martosss]

Fair enough.

Thanks for the replys, i was just unsure how much effect it actually has.

Coming from a car that heat is a big issue i was curious to know why they put a big plastic trap over the top of a alloy engine, we all know heat rises.

Just thought it would be strange.

[ozwild]

I'v driven my car for over a 2 years with
out it, no problem with heat at all, just
more to clean when doing a engine clean.

[dadem0n]

I'v driven my car for over a 2 years with
out it, no problem with heat at all, just
more to clean when doing a engine clean.

But whats the easiest way to clean with the coils and electrics hanging out there :eek:
Wouldnt want to kill it :(

[brody05]

Run the car for a while with it on and then feel the manifold.....hot

Run the car without it and feel the manifold......not hot

My idea is if the manifold is so hot to touch whats it doing to the fuel???

Cant say for sure if it makes any difference but mine went out the window with the edit.

[markone2]

On an unopened tuned car it can ...and has pulled more than a full 1/2 second off the 1/4 mile time by run number 3.

[markone2]

Martosss,

The VZ'd series has another huge engine cover on it! Why on hsv gone back on it twin cover idea???

If the heat soak is so important, why haven't they done something about it?


Manifold is *Free to Air* on VZ .......

[Y2kGoofball]

thats why the monaro scoops dont work - their cooling a turtle shell!

[chillicatqld]

I only put mine back on when hosing out the engine bay

[Y2kGoofball]

I might try taking it off this week and seeing if it makes any difference.

Its only a ecotec V6 but surely its got to help

[ozwild]

But whats the easiest way to clean with the coils and electrics hanging out there :eek:
Wouldnt want to kill it :(


Im not sure if you asking whats the easiest way
to clean it or if your just making a statement, but as
a validated member im sure you know.

im just careful when doing so.

[markone2]

But whats the easiest way to clean with the coils and electrics hanging out there :eek:
Wouldnt want to kill it :(


Hose and degreaser followed by elbow grease.......
http://photothingo.com/users/1006/20060409202331.DSC00115.JPG
Taken after last cam install ........

[VNV8]

markone2 how did you get the manifold so black/shiny? mine looks almost faded and armorall wont do shit... the electrics will be fine with some oversprayed water but dont start the engine til its all dried (use a leaf blower or similar to dry off for a quick fix). Invasionss youll notice that the HSV LS2 cover leaves the manifold bare, which is the problem with the turtle shell. speaking of which, i took mine off when i first bought the car and havent looked back. although the donk looks a bit naked (shopping for tiger mica twin covers) and theres a bit more engine noise audible i personally think it looks better than the turtle shell and definitely has lower intake temps (just feel the manifold).

[vxtreem]

Have been told by a reputable mechanic (take with a grain of salt if you want)
Trapped heat with cover on = reduced life on coils.
Removing cover = $0
Replacing coils = $120 each (approx.)

You decide.

[markone2]

markone2 how did you get the manifold so black/shiny? mine looks almost faded and armorall wont do shit... .

Armorall ( New Car Only ).....spray on......walk away and leave untouched overnight, following morning remove all excess and run engine for 20 minutes.

Note...you'll have to reapply polish to the underside of the bonnet and engine bay as the damn Armorall smears everywhere. some plastic sheets over the front guards and windscreen will also save much later heartache after applying the Armorall

[VT GEN3]

How about drilling a few holes in the turtle shell cover. I reckon it makes the underbonnet look good. they look shitty without it.

[kryten2001]

im aware that it's a heat soak issue so i was wondering how many ppl actually take it off or it doesnt really do anything?
Cheers

I seem to remember reading somewhere (apologies I forget where), that there is a heat issue on the LS1, but it's not at the top of the engine it's at the bottom.

Whether it does or doesn't isn't really the issue I suspect. I'd say most people remove theirs as it looks cooler with the twin covers.

Pretty damned ugly bare though.... Well, at least I reckon..... Compared to the V8's of old anyway... It looks more like a nuclear reactor out of a 1960's submarine than a V8!

[ReMiX]

How about drilling a few holes in the turtle shell cover. I reckon it makes the underbonnet look good. they look shitty without it.

Alot would say they look shitty with the turtle shell.. :stick:

Personally, I prefer the twin covers. :)

[OzJavelin]

With the turtle cover on a GenIII looks like this ..
http://www.allpar.com/images/bennermisc/turbine/engine-bay.jpg
.. '63 Chrysler Gas Turbine engine .. yeeeuk!
Without the cover it might be messy, but at least it looks like a V8 ( BTW: I run VZ twin covers :) )
Rod.