Is there any little trick to removing the plastic engine cover? or do i just unbolt it?
Call me a noob but should i put it back on? or can i leave it off

 

I know the engine cover has undergone a few revisions between years, but on my '06 it just pulls off. There are a few small clips that are entirely tension based; no bolts whatsoever.

Andrew Beard

 

there are definatly bolts on it. let me get a picture

 

 

bolts =) but i wouldn't drive without the cover... the shroud thats on the hood sits flush with the plastic cover for good airflow to the IC

 

Yea keep it on. It'll keep the valve cover looking new longer and plus ... it looks clean as hell

 

Ahh, you didn't mention it was a Mazdaspeed3. The Mazdaspeed3 (and Mazdaspeed6) covers are nothing like the the normal Mazda3's. I'm guessing it has something to do with the TMIC. I'd definitely recommend leaving it on as well.

Andrew Beard

 

It does look rather dumpy though.
I like seeing what moves me. does that make sense?

 

Give it a shot then, see what it looks without and if you don't like it you can always put it back on.

 

That's assuming that the cover is just a cover and doesn't work in conjunction with the TMIC. Running a turboed engine without cooling could be BAD.

Andrew Beard

 

^ Good point. Didn't even think of that being a possibility.

 

you *need* the cover when driving... the intake for the intercooler has a shroud that sits flush with the intercooler cover.

 

Or, you could do what I'm currently doing with my '04 M3 cover, and paint it to match the exterior car color.
Daryl

 

If the engine cover on the Speed3 is integral to the intercooler I'd be REALLY hesitant to paint it. If nothing else, you'd need some really high-temp paint.

Andrew Beard

 

On a basic M3, paint won't be a problem, and either will heat. The hardest part is getting the emblem off. It's glued in the center. On the Speed3, I wouldn't paint it. It looks great, and that engine will easily generate more heat. However, if I were to paint it, I would only do so if the cover turned out to be a shell, and that filter looking piece can be taken out and reinserted. The outer cover looks like that same plastic on tte regular 3. I've ordered PPG paint, which hopefully will arrive today si I can finally get at it.
Daryl