SHOULD I BUY A C8 CORVETTE HTC CLEAR ENGINE COVER BY RAPID REV? THE TEMPS WILL TELL THE STORY.

[@dougcamozzi6614]

This is an excellent representation of the clear cover. Best I have seen. I just bought one from AMT custom designs that custom make the surrounding stripe of the clear cover to the body color of the car. I was concerned when I bought it but not at complete ease after watching your video. Well done! This was exactly what I was looking for and the amount of research on top up, top down, long drive, short drive etc...was very professional. This to me is the tutorial that everyone that has a HTC C8 or Z06 that is on the fence with the clear cover, needs to watch. Thank you for making this vid!

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate that. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing have a lot of new stuff coming up now that we are in Corvette season.

[@cn3dagain819]

Great job on the painted cover. Looks real nice. Clear cover looks great! Not sure $600 is a good value. That's a lot of dough for something you really don't see. I like to keep things clean so I would have that clear plastic all scratched up in no time. Thank You for taking the time to post this video. It's greatly appreciated!

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

Thanks. I did end up ceramic coating the entire cover so I am hoping that will prevent scratches. So far I have only had to lightly wipe it down with a microfiber.

[@nicolaskorvessis]

Just grabbed this for my C8. How has it held up for the past 4 months? Super interested to know!

[@z06doc86]

I think the cover insulation on the OEM part is more for sound deadening that heat control. GM was concerned about valve train and accessory drive component noise entering the interior compartment. I have noticed some increase in noise from these components after installing the clear cover, but nothing objectionable. Good thorough video. 👍👍

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

Thanks for the info!

[@michaelbeaugrand9338]

Thanks for pulling this together for us HTC owners. I have a Red Mist 2021 HTC Z51 look forward to future updates from you on how the cover is holding up, including the headliner. I would love to be able to see my engine for appearance but also potential hidden issues we can't see with the black plastic cover. I also look forward for your perspective on how long the inside stays clean before you have to unbold it and do some cleanup. I hear from the Coupe owners, the biggest issue in having vents and clear glass over the engine is the constant cleaning of the glass after driving in the rain or washing the car. Many thanks.

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks for watching the video. I did end up ceramic coating the entire cover but I have not driven it in the rain yet. But all in all before I put the cover on my engine compartment had some dust but that was all

[@johnr7794]

Good video, I would rather drive our 2023 3LT HTC than spend that time removing the clear cover in in order to clean it and the engine compartment so someone could see the engine with the top in maintenance mode. I love driving it too much.

[@mikegipson295]

This is what I wanted to know, before I ordered one! Great information.

[@DavidWilliams-th9pm]

The best review I've seen.

[@williewilliams9871]

THANKS

[@FLSTCmerlin]

Incredible review, Bro! Thank you! Just got my 23 C8 HTC (Red Mist) a couple days ago. And your vid gave me something to think about. Like other comments have mentioned, the 600 clams is hard to swallow. Two hundred would be more like it! Great looking ride!

[@williewilliams9871]

Yes, it is just one of those cool extra things that you really don’t need. Back when I did the review they had a 20% off discount code so that helped a lot. If you go to a lot of car shows they are a big hit.

[@SQTierHog]

Very kind man, informational on all levels. Subbed.

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Cars go all over the world. In many places, daytime temps reach 125f/52c. Imagine hot hot the top of a black car gets in the direct sun, parked all day. Interiors reach 250f near the dash. Pretty sure the roof was designed to easily handle temps shown here

[@MrNascar61]

Nice job! This will be a game changer for those of us that wanted the HTC but liked being able to see the engine. Hopefully it doesn't get too dirty over time. I have subscribed to see how you like it over time. The engine cover you painted really makes the engine look cool. Best of luck with your C8 and Thanks for the information.

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks. I did end up ceramic coating the entire cover so I’m hoping that will help with maintenance

[@sherpaderpa1]

You really should apply a small patch of non-reflective tape on the cover to get an accurate reading. Reflective surfaces will give IR laser thermometers false readings.

[@edstingray3828]

Wow. I gave a observation. Your temp were in shade and full sun. Shade cooler , full sun hotter. That normal. Your temp reported by weather station is always shade. I am.getting one. I lve your video from Oklahoma.

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks for watching if you like the channel please subscribe I would appreciate it. I love this cover it is like really cool and the look on peoples faces when you open the rear hatch area and they can see the motor is priceless

[@fastlap2]

Great job! Very helpful information right there thanks for taking the time. Nice Vette too👍 In reading through the comments I’m wondering about the sound level change did you notice it being louder? Next question could a neoprene mat be rolled over the top for heat and sound also to protect the clear cover? That could be rolled up and stored when showing the car.

[@williewilliams9871]

Thank you so much for watching the video if you have not already done so please consider subscribing have a lot of things coming up.

[@Inpreesme]

@@williewilliams9871?

[@curiousgeorge7386]

I had made a comment on this before but apparently it is gone. I know someone who purchased this clear cover, not only was it very expensive but because it does not have the heat shield, the convertible top started to show damage after driving in very hot weather with the top down. The big concern for HTC owners, and I have a 2020 HTC with almost 27000 miles on it, was that you could not see the engine through the glass like you can on the coupe. I get it but, the only time you’re going to see the engine with the clear cover is when your car is parked and you have the back deck up. I solved that problem by creating a full-size engine decal and had it installed on top of the heat shield. Problem solved, from 10 feet away it looks like you’re looking through a glass window. Maybe y’all have seen one of my decals because I’ve sold over a dozen of them so far. My engine decals are only $100 plus postage. If anyone is interested I’d be glad to text you some pics. I also sell a set of six screens, 4 to protect the front coolers and screens for both side vents for $80 plus postage. So far I sold over 50 sets of my grill guards. If you’re interested, shoot me a text and I’ll send you some pics. 3525638972

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

With the testing I did I have no concerns right now. Going to do a 90 day follow up video, but the roof liner and the actual roof get much hotter sitting in direct sunlight than they did in any of my tests.

[@jjshebanow]

You got a Rapid Blue C8 HTC (you even have blue seat belts, although my interior is black, I have black stripes and black trident wheels) and a Model S? My brother! I hope plenty of people have told you that you have spectacular taste, because you do!

[@brianrhodestv]

I leave in Houston, Texas engine bay gets 160 -170 degrees with HTC clear cover this is after a 20mile drive . Outside temp here is AUG. 98 - 102 degrees. I can not touch the cover in the middle with my hand too hot.

[@williewilliams9871]

Wow, do you have any idea how hot the original cover would get?

[@brianrhodestv]

@@williewilliams9871 goin to put back on and check the heat index in Houston now is 115 degrees... I think the top will still be ok it does not seat right on the cover

[@BSTDC8]

Great video! Thanks for the time you put in to make it. I was torn on Coupe or HTC and ended up with HTC because it looks sooooo much better IMO. As with everyone else the sacrifice of engine appearance stinks. I want to pull the trigger on this and an engine cover but I have one concern. How is the headliner holding up on the roof panel? Any discoloration, fading, peeling, fabric damage etc.? I feel like that is what the insulation was for, but maybe it is just for less heat transfer when the roof is on top of your head after closing. Thanks!

[@williewilliams9871]

I have had no issues what so ever. I think a good sign is more and more of the top accessory sellers are putting this on their website so with the research I’ve done and they have probably done research it should be good to go. I am going to do a 90 day follow-up but I don’t anticipate any problems.

[@BSTDC8]

@@williewilliams9871 Thanks for the quick response. You got a sub and I cant wait to see what else you do with the car.

[@cassiespencer6134]

Take measurements after driving on an Intestate. Also take temps after multiple laps on road course. Note: Idle temps are not comparable to driving the car. That said, trapping heat in the engine compartment serves no useful purpose and is detrimental over time, especially if one resides where high ambient temps are common place. For example: Arizona. Lastly: Every 11F reduction in temp increases air density (power increase) by 1% with a cool air intake.

[@williewilliams9871]

I just posted a one-year recap video about this product. One year on the car and zero issues.

[@rondail5675]

I feel the high-wing spoiler enhances all C8's.

[@LawyerCalhoun1]

Great video. But my concern is not that the clear cover will melt or get destroyed. I am more concerned with what the effect of the additional heat will be on a retracted hard top after several years.

[@williewilliams9871]

Hard to say but so far I have not seen anything that would concern me at all.

[@jonathondoey7801]

That won't work on clear stuff but it'll give people am idea. You're measuring the intake manifold through the cover. Worst case scenario is that it melts and catches on fire.

[@williewilliams9871]

The original cover is black plastic. And all the time I’ve had mine on I have not seen any issues that would concern me. But this cover isn’t for everyone.

[@philpayne7013]

Thank you for the in depth study. I will most likely be ordering one as like you, At shows it would be cool I will be following you for more updates Thank you

[@eliaschaya524]

HI, awesome video. How about the sound. Do you hear it louder now. Thanks.

[@williewilliams9871]

It sounds about the same to me

[@jeremy_c9163]

Great video! Its been months now, still no issues? BTW great looking car!

[@williewilliams9871]

Still no issues. I need to check because I think we are at a year on when I posted this video. If not, we are really close but no issues at all. Still glad that I did it.

[@nobark1]

Thanks for the vid. What about cleaning? Is there any issue with dirt or splatter/splash on the underside?

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

Not yet. I have only had to lightly wipe it down with a microfiber. It wasn't bad but was about to show it off to some friends and wanted it to be perfect.

[@MrAnemonehost]

Fantastic video, thank you.

[@h.t.2416]

Great video

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks

[@gonzodagreek8560]

So I just installed my clear engine cover purchased through Paragon. I'm generally very happy with it. Fitment was great and installation extremely easy. I did notice several very small air bubbles in the casting/making of the piece (too hard to capture in photo). I called Paragon and they said "this is normal". Normal maybe, but unfortunate in my opinion. Buyer be ware I guess. Willie, does your piece have small bubbles too?

[@ryburnmccullough4732]

What will the 20 degree difference do to the top when it’s retracted?

[@williewilliams9871]

I don’t anticipate any problems I am look at it all the time and everything is fine. Thanks

[@ryants1]

Dumb question. Is that laser going through the clear cover?

[@kosma30]

Thank you! I have one in my garage ready to go on my red mist convertible. Quick question, did you buy bolts to install your cover? If so, do you know the size. Also, did you have to use spacers for the cover? I looked on the gm parts page and the show the part number for the bolts and spacers but no specs for them. Thanks and great job on the video. I know a lot of us are concerned about the possible heat issue

[@williewilliams9871]

I did not use any spacers. This is the bolt size M6-1.00 x 20. I did a second video actually showing the process of me painting and installing the engine cover. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/raGliIlvl695asU

[@kosma30]

Perfect! Thank you

[@JamesWilliams-jq5ld]

Thank You, that’s a big help

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

You're welcome!

[@scott32268N]

Thanks for the video, I love this cover. I wonder as I live in Phoenix where we can get to 120 here in the summer, I think the hottest outdoor temp you tested was 93 and you were reading at the most 119. So if I use that maybe 146 assume this would still not melt?

[@williewilliams9871]

I think it will be fine because people are saying oh it’s going to make your paint melt or it’s going to damage something. But most cars don’t have anything between the engine and the hood and the paint on the hood never gets damaged. I drove my car all day today and just got out of it and the cover was not even warm to the touch. Plus Since I posted the video paragon performance I started selling this cover and I am starting to see more and more people. If that helps any.

[@scott32268N]

@@williewilliams9871 Thank you. I am going to get one! In reality I don't take it out all that much when it is this hot, but come september-may i will and I think this will be a hit at the car shows! Especially with a rapid blue engine cover :)

[@kenichitamagusuku3194]

Chevy needs to give us covers so we can see the engines, why would we pay for HTC $750 and not be able to see it? Almost like paying for MSRP mark up and wait for it

[@williewilliams9871]

From what I have seen Chevy wants in on this and for 2024 they are offering an option with a clear engine compartment cover. I don’t know if it comes with a painted engine cover for the top of the motor or not.

[@henrycruz45cal]

I counted atleast 3 "final" readings ;)

[@dinokondos2494]

Great review! What did you need to do to attach the blue cover? Thanks again!

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

there are 2 brackets connected to where the blue cover would mount. the other two are M6-1.00 X 20. 4 STAINLESS STEEL ONES WERE LESS THAN $2.00 AT LOWES.

[@dinokondos2494]

I really appreciate it! Have not taken the cover off mine yet to figure out what I need but yours looks awesome! Thanks for doing the C8 HTC community a solid with such thorough temp testing

[@gonzodagreek8560]

I appreciate the time you spent to do such a thorough analysis. I too have a HTC and am considering a clear engine cover. My concern, aside for melting plastic which you have put to rest, is the affect of any addition radiant heat might have on the fabric head liner when it's in the retracted mode. Your video at 15:32 appears to shows what appears as 'faded' or 'discolored' material. Is something going on there or is it the photograph? I drive my C8 with the top down a lot and don't what to ruin the underside. Your thoughts???? Thanks.

[@williewilliams9871]

It was just the way it looked on the video. No issues

[@joselemus9484]

This is my concern as, any fading of top

[@williewilliams9871]

@@joselemus9484 no issues so far. I am probably going to do a 90,day follow up video but so far I am enjoying the heck out of the cover.

[@joselemus9484]

@@williewilliams9871 ok thanks for the prompt response

[@nishali3343]

20F difference, this could damage the components of the convertible when it's opened

[@donniet140]

I really appreciate the time you took to review and post . Do you have a link as to where I can purchase this product by any chance ?

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

WWW.RAPIDREV.COM

[@rajfar7]

Great content 👍🏾

[@williewilliams9871]

Thanks

[@greenrush4313]

I cried after watching this

[@C8Kid]

Good video Where you get sky blue cover

[@williewilliams9871]

It was actually black. I went to a local paint shop and they made me a can of rapid blue paint, I taped everything off and went for it. I did a video on that process here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raGliIlvl695asU

[@richardcarlisle6692]

Unless your mission is to park at car shows with the cover raised, I don’t see the point in a clear cover. Makes more sense if you also install the glass window in the tonneau but that adds another $1k or so. Frankly. I don’t get the fascination with seeing the engine…unless as stated previously, you frequent car shows.

[@ryburnmccullough4732]

I’m concerned about the paint and lining on the top

[@williewilliams9871]

I have had no issues. The top actually gets hotter sitting in direct sunlight minute does underneath the cover with the top down.

[@c8scorpio]

I have a white c8 htc I may get clear cover

[@williewilliams9871]

It’s a game changer. Thanks for watching the video

[@Swflac8]

Sorry cost is way too hi, as well as why bother you still can't see the engine. And BTW it's a engine, who cares what it looks like, and I have the 22 htc

[@carsgrillingandtechnology7800]

I was 100% getting a HTC but thought it would be cool to be able to display the engine at car shows. For me it was a small investment to help get my channel some exposure.

[@jonathondoey7801]

The track would be the test. There's probably a reason that cover isn't plastic to begin with...

[@williewilliams9871]

The original cover is plastic. I’m not going to track my car so that was not a concern for me.

[@JeffMarcum]

You could have saved $7,600 by just getting the coupe if you were interested in being able to see the engine. This C8 HTC must have been a gift.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@williewilliams9871]

Well for me, it was a convertible or bust. But I said well with this, I can have the best of both worlds, so what the hell. No regrets on getting the convertible.

[@chrismanning1171]

NO!, its a waste.