alternety

I have my 1999 2.8l engine uncovered to replace some EGR hoses and clean the throttle body. For several reasons (including the rat crap under the covers) I would like to know if any of the engine covers serve any purpose other than cosmetics. Are they needed to have cooling air flow properly routed, keep something out of somewhere? Anything except looks?

alternety

Surely there must be someone out there who knows the answer to this.

Midniteoyl

Nope.. not really. They are mostly for dressing up the engine bay.

Allroady DungBeetle

And help in keeping water and crud out of the spark plug hole/recesses.

g500xl

Might have some sound deadening properties like the lower sound shields.

JerzyBoy973

They help sell cars to people who don't appreciate the beauty of function.