On the V6 does the plastic stock manifold cover just serve as a protection for the manifold or is it functionable. Hope that made some sense. Reason I'm asking is because my strut bar is rubbing on the the rib that runs down the center of the cover and I'm thinking of getting the dremel out and grinding it down a bit. Already added the washer trick underneath and it is still touching slightly. So I quess I'm asking is it OK to shave the rib down a bit without damaging the integrity of the engine.

Thanks

 

I believe the black plastic that you can see is actually the manifold. Not sure how thick it is so it might not be a good idea to start grinding away. But i may not be thinking of the same thing you are.