Over the years top-of-engine components, and in particular Cam and Rocker Covers, have become a hot bed for material competition. Looking under the hood of the myriad of vehicles in any given parking lot, one will find plastic, aluminum, magnesium, and even steel Cam and Rocker Covers. This paper will outline both intrinsic and empirical data relevant to material selection in Cam and Rocker Cover applications. The focus will be on plastic, aluminum, and magnesium to the exclusion of steel. Data will be presented comparing these materials in areas most significant to the application. Through this comparison of data at an intrinsic and empirical level, one will be able to balance the tradeoffs and achieve the best design for each of the materials in question. This will allow for an appie-to-orange comparison of optimal designs for each material. As always, value is in the eye of the beholder; however, conclusions will be drawn and presented as to which material is the best overall value.
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