IS CLEAR ENGINE COVER AN ISSUE FOR C8 HTC'S ~ CORVETTE TECH TUESDAY! 

Imagine sitting in traffic and thinking about the heat this building up and back of your head

Great information! Unfortunately, in my city we have ZERO Corvette specialists and I live in one of the largest cities in the US. When, if ever, will GM make it mandatory for dealers to have a Corvette specialist? Some Corvettes are over 200K and GM offers little or no support.

There is a reason GM engineers put the heat shield and seal on the original cover. When and if GM offers a clear engine cover in the future, I'll consider getting one. Until then I'll stick with the original design. It's the safest bet.

That silly polycarbonate cover will disintegrate relatively quickly in about 3 - 4 stages. It will warp from heat, turn yellow, craze (crack) and finally split in multiple areas and in multiple directions. If you wanted to show off the engine you should have gotten the coup, this here is simply a waste of money!

hey Rick thanks for the information on the clear engine cover can always count on you and Chuck being honest

Yeah, I would not put the clear engine cover if I had a C8 convertible. That might create a heat issue as Chuck mentioned. C8 convertibles look great without the clear engine cover. Keep up the great work, Rick and Chuck!

Interesting... didn't realize this. Thanks.

I Love listening to you guys on tech Tuesday , not only do I learn something every time , I get a good laugh as well ! Thank you guys for all you do for us in your corvette community . I also agree with Chuck on his concern with the clear engine cover . It Looks good , but I wouldn’t do it .

A very enjoyable 30 minute tech Tuesday with Rick and Chuck especially on the clear engine cover conversation.

Tech Tuesday is the best!

Best vlog on RU-vid❤️. Seems to make sense the clear covers don’t provide enough heat restriction. Wonder what the heat does to the top when it’s tucked in 🔥

IMHO use it for car shows, then put on the original cover when done.

Thanks for tech Tuesday I meet Chuck at your send off a great person your right more people need to have the pleasure. Keep on keeping on. Nosale 🙏🏾

We all are loving watching you and Little Chucky~, another and lots of information I only learned from you and chuck! Thank you! and for a 30-minute show probably take at least 3 hours of video and 6 hours of edit! Thank you! 😀

Hi Rick and Chuck. I just received my new 2023 C8 HTC LT3 with mag ride, popup front, Z51 suspension. I love listening to you both on tech Tuesday. Thank you guys for all you do for us in your corvette community. More POWER to you guys for all the Corvette owners.

Great upload Rick. Always a good time watching you and Chuck interact, even if it is a little goofy like today. Had me smiling!

Paragon has now included the rubber seal as well spacers for the perimeter fasteners.

Rick: You and Chuck are so much fun to watch… your both hilarious while answering important customer questions🤣 Thanks for all you do 😃

Rick, Chuck and you should eat some of those Tim Hortons in your car for your next video. Call it "doing donuts in a C8."

Would love it if an edge trim color could be added. Have seen another which looks great, but prefer your product.

Always so many lessons to be learned. We wouldn't get this valuable information with out you two. Thank you, both, immensely, for sharing it.

You guys have the best chemistry love it

I even have my wife listening to Rick and chuck. Great show

Thank you for answering my question. I will have her try it that way next time. Have a great day everyone.

Great content! Thanks much for having these sessions. I learn something new that I did know previously.

Another great and timely video. Someone posted on Facebook about the clear HTC engine cover cracking around the bolts. It does look great on the HTC but I think I would only put it on before heading to a car show or Cars and Coffee. Can’t wait to meet you and Chuck in person this fall! Jim Hineman

Grill guards… I was at Ron Fellows this past weekend and they had several cars with grill guards on them.

I live in HOT Southwest Florida and the heat index right now during summer is 104 degrees because humidity is high. I installed grill guards and although I don’t track my car the engine temps are the same as before I installed them. I highly recommend C8 owners install grill guards because I have seen many C8 that didn’t and the fins look horrible/mired. In your last segment you read that a 2023 owner had not received his high wing. I read on the Corvette Forum a dealer refused to allow the owner who already paid for his C8 to take delivery. The owner said his car has been at 5he dealer for two months!

Great Info as always and I Love the banter between you and Chuck Wish you guys were closer . Keep up the Great work.

Yeah! Rick, I love your videos! I'm sure you remember Steve with the 600,000 '63 vette. I actually met him at a show here in Wisconsin. What a fantastic guy.

Interesting regarding the heat with those clear covers…in Chuck we trust!

Poor Chuck! He still looks good! Donuts 🍩 solve all problems!

Great tech Tuesday!!!

New Vettes being delivered with missing parts such as the high wing spoiler is getting ridiculous. 😬 Just saw on the NCM Corvette Boulevard webcam a 70th Anniversary with what appears to be the incorrect wheels. Increases potential of a scratched wheel when tires are mounted at the dealership when correct wheels are available - you know it’s going to happen. Not all dealerships have the latest equipment and Chuck to do it correctly. What a cluster.

Tech Tuesday Time 👍

First saw the clear cover at Bash. Thought it was really a nice option, especially for folks who enter car shows. Was talking with Harlan later, and he was less than enthusiastic and he said to wait because of the heat issues. I appreciate Chuck and you doing a detailed response since I thought just the headliner might be affected. More knowledge is always a good thing. Appreciate all the info you guys put out on the Tech Tuesdays.

Was me and my wife’s first time at corvettes at Carlisle, but left a day early unfortunately missed you. Definitely agree with what you said about needing more people to go, have a handful now ready to go next year lol. Definitely be back next year. Great video as always, Rick. 👍

I have an HTC, and just can’t seem to get excited about seeing the engine, either on the HTC or the coupe. The reason is, the overpriced engine “cover” is just a piece of plastic that has absolutely nothing to do with the engine. Most of the rest of what is readily visible is tubes and so forth. You can barely see the valve covers, so what the point?

Another informative video, thanks.

Dudes! Great tech Tuesday....as always!

Great episode!... Looks like that clear engine cover may have some issues down the road.

Nice info thanks I got a 2023 c8 coupe on order

Ran an older 'vette at a local track some years ago. GM ran it, gave us a driver from Road America driver in the second seat. We did a lap, and he had me do a lower speed lap to cool it down.

Great discussion on the clear engine cover. Some very good points were brought up. I think the jury is still out on this topic. Stay tuned!

Rick, Chuck, Really enjoy the channel. I have the clear engine bay cover on my 23 HTC. I saw the rubber seal on the OEM cover so I got 15' of the seal from SteeleRubber and installed it same as the GM cover. The add-on seal changes the fitment of cover a little, so you have to be ready to adjust holes a bit. It would probably work better with the seal installed in the metal mounting frame. Keep up the great work. PS. Would like to hear any info on C8 transmission issues. I'm reading the paddle shifters are causing issues. Thanks.

Excellent subject matter. Great job guys. Chris I saw you at Carlisle 2022. We spoke briefly but I wanted to give you a nice guy Shout Out.

Great video!

Yep. My 72 pull it out all the way. My 2023 DO NOT DO THAT. Pull only what you need. Never had another problem. I mean my wife.

My wife does the same thing every time she gets in and buckles up. She pulls the seat belt all the way out and unknowingly locks it.

What a wonderful Tech Tuesday! Thank you so much! Hope my questions get answered soon!

That's a good point guys.

You can use the automotive tape that bodyshops use to mask off over-spray areas to cover predrilled holes in bumper. This tape does not peel paint off.

❤❤❤😮navy veteran USA up all 🌙 night great job guys thanks all joey

Rick and Chuck I watch all your vlogs and really enjoy watching your Tech Tuesday segments. The banter between you and Chuck is priceless. I recently took delivery of my 2023 C8 coupe with front lift. I was wondering if the front lift would remember locations if I didn't have OnStar. Thanks for answering that question. Keep up the good work as we all appreciate it.

Rick & Chuck - When I drive my car to Florida each year from New Jersey, I tape the entire hood using painters tape. There is no fear of affecting the paint on the car since the tape is designed to not disturb painted surfaces. You can use this tape to cover the drilled holes on the bumper until the high wing or Z51 spoiler arrives at the dealership for installation. Lou

I share Chuck’s concern about engine bay heat causing problems, especially after a long drive and leaving the top down. Concerned about the head soak ruining the head liner over time. I still wanted the look and therefore came up with what I feel is an adequate solution. I made a paper template of the clear engine cover and then cut out an insulator made of flexible aluminum foil backed on both sides with approximately 1/4 inch heat barrier in between. Can easily find it online auto parts outlet/ speed shops. I leave the insulation on the clear cover except when showing the car with the hard top in service mode. Just rolls right up and easily stored in the trunk. I also put a rubber gasket under the cover to seal the engine bay off. Can obtain this from Steele rubber products. It has 3M tape on one side and narrow enough to form around bends. I’d be happy to send some photos if you like. Also put some led lighting in the engine bay which looks great at night. It runs off a small Milwaukee M12 battery easily tucked out of sight so I don’t have to violate the stock wiring harness. Hope to show it off in Bowling Green at the Museum anniversary bash. Thanks for the videos.

I thought that when the clear covers came out. Unless it is a high temp polycarbonate. Having a coupe. I thought the visible engine would be a bigger deal. It isn't to me because there really isn't a custom choice.

So far no issues with mine and I’ve driven it with the top down for well over an hour on a very hot day. It’s critical to note my headliner (primarily the rear is exposed due to retraction pancaking) feels no hotter than with the stock cover which is a flimsier plastic. I think the wildcard is the lifespan of the clear cover itself.

I would be concerned about the heat on the headliner with the top down !

Thank you for this information. I decided not to get the clear cover on my eRay HTC if the allocation ever comes in. I'm even concerned about the HTC itself trapping too much heat in, but it's been around for 5 years so I'm guessing it should be okay

Thanks Rick (and Chuck). I was seriously considering purchasing the clear cover for my HTC. Chuck has a very good point…heat escaping or more precisely…not escaping. I’m going to wait awhile and let some other owners be the Guinea pigs! Great video!

Use painters tape for the holes it should not feel the paint

I did not want to compromise the heat issues on my new 2024 either. The answer was GM Option ZZ3 Convertible Engine Appearance Package - $995. NEW ITEM THIS YEAR. My dealership folks didn't even know it existed!! Sorta expensive BUT if there's a problem - it's GM's, not mine!!!

DUDE…DUDE…where’s my accessories 🤦😂 Had me rolling 😅 Saw StreetSpeed717 give you a shoutout and a little face time on his latest Vlog from Carlisle 👍

Service Lift System Went to the dealership today and they found a sticky lift switch on the center console that was giving the error code, part is coming in overnight. Hopefully they can get it fixed on Friday....We originally thought it was the reservoir cap on the lift because of a service bulletin for a faulty cap.....No such luck.....

This is the #1 reason I would never get a C8 convertible. I gotta be able to see my engine.

I’ve had the clear engine cover for three months now and have not experienced any issues with it . It’s made of higher heat resistant polycarbonate. The stock black cover is a softer plastic with a low melting point so it needs the reflective heat shield. Also the reflective heat shield serves as a sound barrier. The tick of the fuel injectors is a little louder with the clear cover , but I’ve grown used to it. After driving the car with the top down for awhile and putting it back up , I’ve felt the bottom of the roof with my hand and it doesn’t feel any hotter than with the stock black cover.

I just put on my clear cover on my 2023 HTC that I got from Paragon and it comes with a seal that's goes all the way around the clear cover.

For the clear engine cover, I know you mentioned the heat concerns. What about water though? If it gets wet will it hold water or not?

Hey Rick A while back you talked about putting the plaques on the center console of our Vetts. I sent you pictures of my 2007. You said it looked great. Tom Vacula

The g.m. radiator guards made by scrape armour once mounted can be removed by loosening two front screws that hold it in place. Designed to be removed for either track or for cleaning.

Things that make you go HMMNM...

Here we go….👍

I was initially interested in the clear cover but had the same heat concerns Chuck has. I think a quick release system (twist lock fasteners) on the existing cover would be great and not horrible to install. I would try it, but I am afraid they would stick up far enough that they might hit something when the roof is down. What do you guys think? Thanks for all you do!

Rick, don't forget your phone on the roof before you drive off.

Rick chuck ♥️ ❤️ 😍 👌

Hey guys, what is your take on adding heat shielding to the trunk on the HTC? This is specifically the rear storage area, not the engine compartment

Just tired of Stupidity ,BTW love u guys,hope t get down by from Brooklyn t c u dudes one day.

I would say you need to check the temperature with a heat laser Gun….. comparing both covers…. Same day around the same time…..

Hey guys, why doesn’t GM put rubber gussets on the holes while waiting for the delivery of the high wing? A simple solution instead of “stickers”.

That was my concern when I have seen these clear covers on the HTC's. I think over time the heat is going to affect the roof interior over time; I could be wrong though. There is a ton heat coming off that engine and it has to go somewhere.

The concern for the durability of the clear cover is only half the story. When the top is down, it is only this panel between your pretty headliner and the engine. It is not so much the panel’s ability to withstand heat as it is the panel’s ability to reflect heat away from the headliner (or, I guess, also the tonneau cover, though that may already have additional heat protection).

My 2018 C7 has had none of the issues mentioned that C 7’s are suppose to have and my warranty has expired. So can I look forward to having all those issues?

So when a famous RU-vid dealer technician sidekick installs an aftermarket part that “might not manage the heat properly”, who will be responsible for “possible heat related issues”? Hypothetically speaking of course.

YOu guys just answered my question, I just replaced my ignition switch in my 09 C-6 17k miles and now I heard there is a recall on switches can you confirm.

I'll be avoiding the clear cover for my C8 convertible.

Chuck should have came with you to Carlisle

Great show! When are you opening a car wash in Carlisle? Lol.

Wonder if OEM cover is removed and replaced with aftermarket clear cover and convertible is folded back, does the excess heat cause issues to folded convertible parts when open and driving?

Hey Rick and Chuck: I have a question for Tech Tuesday that I haven’t heard mention before (my C8 has been on order for 19 months): when I have programed all of personal settings for when I enter my vehicle does the key fob owned by my wife also recognize her preferred settings ? In other words, do separate key fobs register separate settings for each of us ? Best regards, Ken from Alberts, Canada.

Think I will wait till October and see how many complaints pop up; better to wait. I would like to put one on; but not sure its practical; and not looking to taking it on and off for special occasions.

Could work great for cooking the headliner ? Clear convertible engine cover with top down, convertible less engine leaks ?

I would like to know what effect would after market 21 inch wheels would cause?

Great catch might void warranty not sure how labor intensive it is to swap the cover for a car show ? I would not mess with factory safety for looks.

Do you have video about the 2024 C8 HTC OEM engine appearance package? The OEM version has a smaller window and perhaps heat shielding around the smaller window? It's dealer installerable but I can't find pricing either.

Added note. Are you going to do a show on them Tom Vacula

The owner with the '19 GS noted to Chuck he had the triple flush done for the transmission. I thought my '19 already came with the upgraded transmission fluid, and didn't need to have the triple flush done. Did I misunderstand?

Maybe because I had real life's experience,there r things u just don't do.period!

Curious, you both talked about the Z51 cooling, why do EXPORT vehicles to hot climates come with the driver side door radiator installed (total of 4 vs the 3 with Z51 for the U.S. market), and Chevy doesn’t offer it as an option for the States? Obviously you can retrofit like Emilia did on her C8, just be nice if could get direct from factory already installed. Thoughts?

Rick, has anyone written on an issue with Amplifier in the C8 Corvette? I lost all audible in the vehicle. No radio sound, warning sounds, turn signals etc. I have an appointment to take it into the dealer. Curious if it there is a bulletin out on it??