i just recently got a this elantra 02 and i dont know alot about cars but...
as far as i know the engine cover isent really there for any other purpose then being annoying as hell. could i take it off and just leave it like that. its not a big mod and it prob wont do anything, but its something i dont think i've seen on a hyundai

 

you can take it off

i painted mine so it can look nice and perty

 

but could i leave it off, i think i like the idea of painting it better, what type of paint did u use? i'm assumeing i cant just use krylon spray paint huh?

 

The cover should be able to be painted with normal spraypaint. It does not get hot enought to damange normal paint.

If you want to be extra carefull, use 500 degree high temp paint.