Old Man Sedan: 2003 RS6

[WRXtranceformed]

The heat generation is real though, I was genuinely concerned the first time I opened the hood after just a few miles. I've almost gotten over it now since it's "just what they do" but I still think popping the hood would help cool things down better after use and maybe prolong the life of the timing belt. Sounds like the 35k interval was due in part to how quickly the excessive heat deteriorates the rubber.

This sounds weird but I was properly anal about my Jag and if it got a good romping I would usually pop the hood and put an oscillating fan on it for about 20 minutes.  I wouldn't go that far if I was just taking a run down to the grocery store and didn't open it up, but with as much underhood heat as a blown V8 generates I had some of the same concerns about longevity.  It probably was unnecessary but it definitely helped cool things off!