Gen II Mazda 3 MPS Under engine plastic cover

[Jamesa2z]

Hi Guys!

Been a member for a while but this is my first post!

Was just looking underneath my Gen II MPS the other day and noticed that there seems to be a lot of plastic covering the engine, with only a small hole for changing the oil.

I am thinking about removing the cover to save on weight and make access to the oil filter and sump plug easier.

Has anyone had any previous experiences in doing this? If so, did you encounter any problems or have any tips to offer?

Cheers all!

[CharlieBrown]

The weight is two-fiths of nothing. I've taken it off to do oil changes before, and put it back once done...

I'd keep it on, to help stop shit from flicking up into the engine (read rough/gravel roads).

If you were serious about reducing weight, go grab a set of RX-8 GT wheels like LittleRedMPS - they are 1/2 the weight of the MPS wheels (and look better...)

[Cton]

+1,
You pretty much summed it all up Dan.
It weighs nothing! Leave it on. It goes on and off in minutes.

[LittleredMPS]

The plastic shroud actually has a purpose, apart from keeping crap off the engine.

Its integral to keeping a proper airflow through the engine bay to improve the efficency of of the tmic.

[Cton]

Another good reason to keep it!