So here's my sitch -
My engine compartment is not sealed. There's the standard cowling mounted just below the belt/above the exhaust and about 3 inches above that, there's a horseshoe shaped piece of fiblerglass that's screwed into the frame that runs just on the inside of the tail of the car. Other than that, the engine compartment is wide open to the ground.
Now, I've been driving the car around like this since I bought it and as far as I know, so was the previous owner. The engine temp gauge never goes past the middle of the gauge. According to a mech/sales guy at JBugs in Oceanside, CA and an old Porsche/VW buddy of mine, I shouldn't be too concerned based on my temp gauge readings. However, I'm still not comfortable with this.
I was reading some of the old forum posts about how important it is to seal the engine compartment off and have a few questions about the best way to approach this --
1. Is this something I can do myself? I have a CMC kit which was assembled without any of the engine tins (not sure if CMC even included this in their kits).
2. If I can do this myself, does anyone out there have templates that are typically used with the CMC's? Or, does anyone know where I can get templates?
3. Assuming that "standard" templates do not exist and I will have to make templates and fashion the tins myself, what materials are best suited for the finished tins? And how should they be secured?
4. Assuming that I WON'T be able to make and install these myself, who/where would some of you recommend I have these done? A standard VW repair shop? A standard metal shop?
5. Any issues I need to be aware of regarding cool-air circulation? I'm concerned that buttoning up the whole engine compartment will reduce cool-air circulation dramatically.
Your input and/or recommendations are appreciated!
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