Overweight bracket around VTEC sol.

[Roger Crier]

I have just removed my plastic engine cover for the first time and due to rust induced seizure I have just had the front stud shear off in the steel bracket that surrounds the VTEC solenoid. I have drilled and re-tapped the nut, so no problems there, but I was amazed that on what is supposed to be an anorexic car that this steel bracket is so thick and heavy. It is thick enough to be an engine mount but it is only holding the plastic cover and doubling up as a bit of protection for the VTEC solenoid!

Does this VTEC solenoid need to be surrounded by a solid steel wall for any other reason than mechanical protection? Is the steel there to keep the local areas temperature constantly warm or something! This part is crying out for some lightening holes, or getting binned for a lighter alloy version!

[flunkysama]

I noticed that too. The design is just so out of place with the rest of the engine.

I bet people who designed the engine are not the same people who designed the engine cover and cover mounting. I image that after putting in all that work saving a few grams where ever possible, the engine designers would rebel when asked to add something as stupid as a engine cover.

The whole idea of an engine cover offends me. It serves no function besides to make the engine look bigger and "prettier". It just adds unnecessary weight and is another thing in the way when working on the car. I removed mine (with that mounting bracket) the first week I got the car and have never missed it.