Re: 2008 Jaguar XJ VDP
Just curious, how many of you feel that the hard black plastic engine cover is more decorative than truly useful. I have recently had to order a Secondary Air Injection System vacuum hose assy C2C22716 because the the minute tubing was fried and brittle and snapped to the touch under that cover. I can just imagine what the intense engine heat is doing to all the wiring and electronic components under that cover. I'm inclined to just leave it off or cut it to allow more air circulation.


fried by the heat

 

I am guessing that the plastic covers on engines these days are 'all-the-rage' and just for sound deadening and 'PRETTY'?

Not useful in the long-run. (remember when chrome alternators and shiny carburetters were a 'thing'?)

 

Just for looks and they do trap heat. I've had a lot of Supercharged GM cars and the first thing you do is remove their engine cover, they trap all of that heat from the blower and do exactly as you've seen to the components underneath. I actually had mine off of the Jag the other day when doing some service and ended up putting it back on, but might just leave it off then next time I need to remove it.

 

I may modify it to allow better air movement like trimming back the sides, front and back. may even symmetrically drill 1/2 breather holes in the top panels. May just leave it off too.

 

Leaving it off sounds like a plan, & easily reversed.

 

Lots of us over on the F-Type sub-forum leave it off.
At least one of the posters (Unhingd) has taken temp measurements with and without the cover on and the top of the engine was significantly cooler without the cover.
More so on an F-Type due to the heat generated by the supercharger, that extra heat exacerbates one of the F-Types main issues, plastic engine coolant pipes and tubes under and near the supercharger cracking/splitting/leaking.
The cover serves three purposes - appearance, sound deadening and protection from water - although all three are subjective especially the last one.

 

Off; it's there mostly for sound attenuation, unfortunately it is also a good heat insulator, thus the charge intake is warmer and less dense, reducing power.

 

looks ugly and annoying

intake runners are a much nicer sight

 

Trying to hide things from view.
All the plastic to remove.
Just to SEE what you have under the hood.
Intimidates many, i m h o

 

Well some of you may or may not like my cover modification buy here it is.

ORIGINAL




ORIGINAL

MOD

CUT SIDES AND FRONT AND PUT BREATHER HOLES IN THE TOP

 

Do like the looks after cutting down the sides.
The drilled holes, not so much.
Understand why you drilled them.
Hope they work to your liking