Engine under tray-yes or no?
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Engine under tray-yes or no?
As much as I tinker on the car
I think it will just be a PITA to take it on off. But if it's an essential component of the engine cooling I want it on.
I know it keeps the underside cleaner but where I live in Palm Springs-it literally rains like 2-3 times a year 1/4"! Driving in rain, mud, the usually waterborne messy stuff just doesn't happen here. Thanks in advance-
I think it will just be a PITA to take it on off. But if it's an essential component of the engine cooling I want it on.
I know it keeps the underside cleaner but where I live in Palm Springs-it literally rains like 2-3 times a year 1/4"! Driving in rain, mud, the usually waterborne messy stuff just doesn't happen here. Thanks in advance-
#4
It's there for slight aero benefit to keep a majority of the air from stalling in the engine bay. Also there to keep debris away from the accessory belts.
As for cooling it's likely minimal, but by minimizing stalled air it's theoretically keeping the engine area cooler.
As for cooling it's likely minimal, but by minimizing stalled air it's theoretically keeping the engine area cooler.
#5
if you have one you don't want...I will buy it.
My father in law torn this one up on a parking block when it was his car, and now it is held on with zip ties.
plan is to replace it this winter.
My father in law torn this one up on a parking block when it was his car, and now it is held on with zip ties.
plan is to replace it this winter.
#6
Rennlist Member
It was meant to be there, why not keep it there? Better airflow (aerodynamics) and less dirt/water ingestion into the engine area. I can't prove it, but there's a chance it would impact the airflow into the radiator.
#7
Instructor
Mine ran cooler with the tray UNTIL I replaced the rad with an new Aluminum one. Now it runs cooler all the time, with or without the tray never above the halfway mark. My guess is with the marginal rad the tray helped
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#8
Advanced
Thread Starter
Thanks for all input!
Thanks all for the varied input. As I said initially-my car didn't have the tray and it's an expense taking back seat to other more critical service parts needed.
My radiator has recently been replaced and it looks to be an aluminum radiator-weren't they all aluminum? Anyway it was installed in 2017 and I think my high temps are within range and correct for living in 120 degree F heat! Never hit's the red mark, highest sitting in traffic has been no higher than 2nd white mark.
My radiator has recently been replaced and it looks to be an aluminum radiator-weren't they all aluminum? Anyway it was installed in 2017 and I think my high temps are within range and correct for living in 120 degree F heat! Never hit's the red mark, highest sitting in traffic has been no higher than 2nd white mark.
#9
Three Wheelin'
keep an eye on the health of your engine mounts. There is a train of thought that the tray helps direct air over them helps stop the exhaust side from cooking.
#10
Drifting
One time when I changed the belts and rollers, I left the undertrays off. Reason being I expected to be in there again to check the tensions in 2 or 3 months. During that time when I was travelling close to flat out, the steering went very light. Not a nice experience at that speed. I haven't left the undertrays off since.
#11
Advanced
Thread Starter
Thanks @ Blade7 & JiNX3D & MAINT-great input on the subject. I have a newish radiator that was installed 4,000 miles ago but it's OEM not the all allunimum one mentioned. My car did not come to me with the tray from PO but I'll look for a used one or find one at pick a part on another 944.
Much appreciated!
Much appreciated!
#12
Unbannable
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
While not 944-related, when I changed out the damaged undertray on my '90 Miata with a new one, I saw a 10-15* reduction of oil temperature on the street and a 30-40* reduction at the track (when measured at the sump) on a car without any oil cooling. Sure, it's not directly related to the 944 but it made me believe that these things do help shed some extra heat even if it's in a way that may not be obviously noticeable.
BB.
BB.
#13
Three Wheelin'
if you have money to blow rennline has released a new 944 skid plate
https://www.rennline.com/944-Skid-Pl...I_gA%3D.H89tmP
https://www.rennline.com/944-Skid-Pl...I_gA%3D.H89tmP
Last edited by J1NX3D; 11-10-2021 at 04:12 AM.
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Jay Wellwood (11-10-2021)
#15
Drifting
Never mind the cooling , it can save your oil pan from being torn off if you go over a curb ...
I got pushed into a high speed bump during a race and it took out half the cooling fins on the bottom of my oil pan !
Cheers
Phil
I got pushed into a high speed bump during a race and it took out half the cooling fins on the bottom of my oil pan !
Cheers
Phil