Yeah, I remember talking to some of the Engineers when the 124 was introduced, they were pretty proud of the "revenue-generating panel". That is a complete fabrication/BS by the way.

When the 124 was designed, the encapsulation panels were there for a reason. They keep the engine clean, provide proper airflow, allow the engine to run proper temperatures (if the engine is running hot, there's a problem), reduce engine noise, and reduce aero drag & lift.

It can be removed, you can run without it. I don't, I just don't like the filthy engine. If the engine leaks it needs repair anyway, but that's another story.

If you remove the engine panel, you will also want to remove the transmission panel as the air will eventually catch the transmission panel and pull it down, at least one forum member had this happen on a 124.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff