I was wondering if there's any difference in the amount of heat that would be generated by the Injen polished aluminum cover or the IPT carbon fiber cover.

I was wondering if there's any difference in the amount of heat that would be generated by the Injen polished aluminum cover or the IPT carbon fiber cover.

well neither will "generate" any heat because they're not a mechanical part, but as for retaining and dissipating(?) I'd think the oem plastic would be the best for dissipation-and I would think the aluminum would be the worst, with the carbon fiber somewhere inbetween but closer to the plastic end of the spectrum. I'm just guessing so don't quote me, but I'd assume the fact that the injen cover is metallic (even though alluminum dissipates heat faster than most metals) would make it hold more heat. Think about the difference between the oem plastic oil caps, and the billet aftermarket ones. When I change oil on some kids civic and it has an alluminum oil cap I know that ____ is gonna be hizzot to the enth degree, while the plastic ones are generally cool to the touch.

Carbon Fiber does NOT retain any heat - one of its principle characteristics as a material is that it conducts heat very efficiently and as such does not retain heat.

Either way though, with a product like this on an OE Toyota engine, it really comes down to whichever one you think looks the best...neither is going to create any kind of heat problem. The only advantage to the carbon piece - beyond aesthetics, if you want my taste/opinion - would be that if you abuse the car mercilessly for a period of time and then decide you want to pull over and touch your hand, face or ___ to the engine cover, you won't get burned like you might with aluminum.

By the way, we - Unobtanium Racing Accessories - are about o hit the market with a complete line of molded Carbon Fiber components for Scions. Engine covers, door sills, emblems, interior pieces and molded Carbon Fiber cold air intake systems. For more information or to add your name to our mailing list for updates and new product availability, please email:

STARK@UNOBTANIUMRACING.COM

these parts are all about looks.