Why did I clean my engine?

[Ckrikos]

There was a company that made something similar a while back. In my opinion the m96 motors don't look that great to show off. It probably sounds great though.

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[leon1965]

Please let us know the results, since we're already drooling for this cool mod to group buy/make!
[QUOTE=Shehadehd;383727]Another quick update:

I've received most of the seals this weekend and have already narrowed them down to two contenders. This weekend I'll use them both and decide which one is better.

[Shehadehd]

Originally Posted by Ckrikos

There was a company that made something similar a while back. In my opinion the m96 motors don't look that great to show off. It probably sounds great though.

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Someone here posted the cover I think you're talking about... It was for the cayman and looks good if you keep the engine clean.

I actually think the m96 flat six design makes the engine look pretty nice. If we're comparing it to old school V8s and super car v10/12s then I totally agree with you. But for what it is, I like the m96 more than a lot of other engines in its class.

JayKay: the Dzus connectors I've been looking at have rubber lined rings so they don't rattle or scratch the cover. I've also been looking in hex key connector.

Leon: I've found the right seal for the covers. Now I'm waiting for the first batch of laser cut covers

[AP328]

My '99 Boxster is up on a lift right now, and this thread got me thinking (always dangerous) - do you know if with the soft top down and the hardtop on, would you still be able to see the engine or would the folded soft top obscure the view?

[Shehadehd]

Originally Posted by AP328

My '99 Boxster is up on a lift right now, and this thread got me thinking (always dangerous) - do you know if with the soft top down and the hardtop on, would you still be able to see the engine or would the folded soft top obscure the view?

You'll only be able to see the engine through this angle




The soft top blocks the ability to see it from the rear view window.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

Hey Jager - are you planning on getting one on your mate Johnny Danger????

In fact JD's been very quiet for the last few weeks - perhaps he's hibernating or planning a clear Lexsan engine lid upgrade with acid yellow LED's.........

You are right... JD does not move as fast during the cold winter months plus he goes to bed much earlier this time of year.

[Mark_T]

I wonder if he saw his shadow?

[Shehadehd]

I've gotten the first batch of acrylic covers. They look good so far. I'll be forming them and installing the necessary pieces throughout the week and will have the first couple ready soon.

On a separate note, Since cutting the acrylic leaves a lot of odd sized pieces that Ive already paid for, I've decided to use them for this.





It works surprisingly well. I just need the rubber boot in the opening to grip the smaller sized cups. I think after an iteration or two, it'll be perfect for anyone without a cup holder... I just got to find an elegant way to keep the arm rest lid open. I'm thinking of a spring or rubber rod that wants to swing it open. That way you when you press the button, it'll open like the ashtray.

[drbodzin]

When you form the covers, is there any room for you to mold the cover so there is more room under it? After installing my supercharger kit, the stock cover hits the intake pipe slightly and would work way better if there was more room.

[Shehadehd]

The next time you have access to the engine can you take a photo that's level with the pipe so I can see how high it raises up above the cover edges; both from the side and from the back.

[Lobo1186]

you could always just remove the soft top all together and put on a hard top.

[epapp]

Since shehadehd is a grandpa, he probably will opt to just take his softtop out and keep the hardtop on; he's never gonna put that GAHH knockoff on anyways

Shehadehd, is that 1/8" plexi? I thought you were prototyping a 0.5" cover? Also, can you PM me the final material you chose for the seal? (Or post publicly if you are comfortable)?

[Shehadehd]

No and no. That's the quarter inch plexi and the 0.5inch is far overkill. you'd be better off sticking with 0.25 and switching to impact acrylic or lexan. Kids these days...

[epapp]

0.25" seems potentially unsafe. What if I'm in an accident? Will this cover cut my head off?


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[Shehadehd]

Originally Posted by epapp

0.25" seems potentially unsafe. What if I'm in an accident? Will this cover cut my head off?


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It's inherent that the plexiglass is not as strong of a material as the OEM cover with two layers of carpeting. Also, I do not claim to have a safety rating for it. I am simply doing my best to create a cover that will not melt nor shatter from normal wear and tear. Hence why I have spent the last month making a number of these looking for the best material I can reasonably offer.

What happens during an accident is out of my control and frankly I do not , and probably will never, crash test the covers in a controlled environment. It may hold up just fine in an accident or it may break apart. If the engine decides to fly out of the engine bay, I cannot say this will do much to stop it. If you want to say that 0.5" is better... You are right. Bulletproof lexan is even better still... But unless someone requests and is willing to pay for the double or triple price markup of these materials, I cannot use them.

I'll be more than willing to bet that aftermarket parts like bumpers and spoilers don't claim they can't harm you in an accident. Even a windshield mounted gps or phone stand can kill you in a collision. The truth is that the engine cover I'm making is similar to other aftermarket parts. It's an aesthetic attempt to bring-out a hidden gem in our cars. With that being said, I'm using the best parts I can reasonably find to give it a level of quality. Expecting anything more is a miscommunication between me and you guys.

With that out in the open, if anyone else wants to opt out please let me know because I'm going to have 20 covers made next week and if this number should be half, I need to tell the supplier soon. Sorry if this is news to you guys.

[BIGJake111]

i wouldnt imagine this to be any less safe.

[rick3000]

Originally Posted by epapp

0.25" seems potentially unsafe. What if I'm in an accident? Will this cover cut my head off?

If you get hit hard enough to dislodge the engine cover which is in the middle of the car, you probably have much bigger worries. It is not a structural piece, and you have a roll bar, and seat between you and it. The covers main purpose is to act as a firewall, which plexiglass is not great for. But I have also never heard of a 986 having an engine fire.

If you are rocking a hardtop, it is only 4 bolts and some connectors to pull the soft top out of the car, so you can show the engine off.

Very cool mod, and Shehadehd is doing a great job! It is always awesome when some is willing to manufacture a popular modification for everyone to enjoy!

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by epapp

0.25" seems potentially unsafe. What if I'm in an accident? Will this cover cut my head off?

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool......

[jesseborgelt]

Originally Posted by epapp

0.25" seems potentially unsafe. What if I'm in an accident? Will this cover cut my head off?


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Lets give this fella the benefit of the doubt and assume he is being facetious and not a complete nut. I enjoyed the disclaimer that this prompted though, very entertaining. Come on guys…. Obviously 0.5” Lexan is has more mass than 0.25” and taking into account newton’s second law the 0.5” is capable of doing more damage to your head. I say use 0.125”!!!

[tuanle16]

wow... me likey. i just showed my wife the pictures and beg for a valentine's gift. keep me posted please.