Series II 3800 engine cover

[k1979chevy]

I have owned several GM cars over the years and all of which had the Series II 3800 motor in them. Currently i own a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with the 3.8L non supercharged. Now on every one of these cars they have an engine beauty cover. Every time i take this cover off. I always figured that it trapped the heat in and robbed power from the motor. Is this true or are my theorys based on nothing? I figured it hasent done any harm in the past so it must not be a bad thing. Right?

[gmtech1]

Whatever heat it's holding in is not enough to affect engine preformance.

[JonJon68]

Wow, I thought I was the only person who thought about this...In Summer here I remove it anyway to dissipate any excess heat in the engine bay...Just my preference...

[maxwedge]

In theory keeping the intake cooler can help power but, the slight amt of trapped heat is, as mentioned, is inconsequential.

[Tech II]

Basically, it just keeps engine noise down, like injector ticking......

I like to remove it, because it eliminates a place for those mice to build their nest and eat the wires(secondary, injector, purge harness, etc.)....

[TDWPgtp]

i removed mine because an engine should look like an engine...not a piece of plastic. plus, i had to show off the supercharger

[rickisrad]

I would not worry about the engine cover on the NA series II. it is not going to hold a lot of heat. I have a GTP and I do take mine off in the summer to try and help the supercharger stay cooler. I have performance mods that produce a little extra heat so my thinking is every little bit helps, but not enough to notice a difference. The only way to know for sure is to scan for knock retard before and after the cover is removed. or infrared technology.