Is a "cover" needed?

[mainemetro]

I got my Geo about 4000 miles ago and I love it. I am getting 44mpg minimum and up to 51 mpg on trips. ('96, 1.0L, 5spd, 3door, 69k miles)

When I first got the car it had A/C which didn't work. Well, I'm in Maine and it's not that hot here, so I cut the lines and removed the condenser, a/c pump, ac radiator, fan, dryer, etc etc. Everything A/C under the hood was ripped out and tossed.

Like I said, the car runs GREAT, but the forward side of the engine is now completely exposed to the open grille allowing the cold air, rain and snow (soon!) to blow in on the plug wires, exhaust manifold, etc.


In non-A/C cars is there some sort of plastic shield to prevent the elements from blowing in through this large opening?

Should I worry about this?

Thanks,
Ren

[geozukigti]

Yes, there's a metal plate that goes there in non a/c equipped vehicles. It's supposed to direct more air through the radiator, and protect the engine from rocks and rain from splashing directly on it. It'll also keep a lot of the water off of your exhaust manifold, helping it not rust so fast. It's not necessary by any means, but you can put something there if you really feel so compelled to do it.