I have one of each.  I notice no difference in the noise level.  The plastic
lid is MUCH lighter and easier to handle.  FWIW, muffling the intake noise
seems to be one of the best ways to quiet the diesel Vanagon.

Mike Snow

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of stephen de la salle
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 5:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Plastic(Alloy?) Vs Steel Engine Cover in a Diesel Vanagon..

I've the option on the lighter weight plastic/alloy? engine cover to replace
my steel cover that weighs a lot!

The alternative is a lot lighter ..

Has anyone any experience comparing these two lids in terms of how effective
they both are in
reducing the diesel clatter.

The alternative lid is attarctive in terms of being lighter ?

steve