I love plastic engine parts!

[Erik the Awful]

In my experience with 3D printing and metal inserts, that insert looks like hot garbage. A diamond cut insert might be good in a mold set process, but this insert's not. Those knurls are poorly defined.

Epoxy is probably the fix I'd go with as well. When you install the plug, keep in mind that the bolt just keeps it from falling out and the sealing is done by the o-ring. It won't need much torque.

 

[Scooterwrench]

If your epoxy doesn't hold tap the hole with a pipe tap and install a pipe plug. Don't get carried away tightening the plug or you will crack the plastic cover. Dope the threads with Permatex aviation gasket sealer.

 

[L31MaxExpress]

I became tired of changing plastic covers every 2-3 years, went to aluminum and never looked back. The plastic covers are pure garbage down here in Texas heat.

 

[Scooterwrench]

The plastic covers are pure garbage down here in Texas heat.

Plastic parts and engine heat don't play well no matter where you live. My moms crown vic is on intake #3

 

[jaywestfall]

Holley sells an aluminum cover also, if that is the route you go.

Got the Holley aluminum one to replace the one that came on the new GM crate Vortec 5.7 when it was installed. Plastic is Satan...

 

[jaywestfall]

I became tired of changing plastic covers every 2-3 years, went to aluminum and never looked back. The plastic covers are pure garbage down here in Texas heat.

Testify!

 

[CrustyJunker]

I never had problems with my OE plastic Vortec covers, but I never lived in extreme heat.

Body lifts provided extra cooling clearances for me, though. I think I'm the only person I know that enjoyed them more for service access to things, not just off road clearance.