Bill Ball

One of 928 International's metal pan probably works better for deflecting objects. After two major incidents with road hazards destroying the plastic front bellypan, as described above, while the rear aluminum pan was dented but restored with some hammering, I ordered one of Mark's front pans. Here's what a long piece of pipe (18 inches of 3 inch diameter) bouncing down the road did when it stood on end under a section of exhaust pipe. No protection there and not much I can imagine that would protect it from this kind of incident. It would be only a guess as to what would have happened had the pipe been on end under the oil pan. Although I think the metal bellypan might have helped absorb the blow, 18 inches of pipe lifting the car off the ground at that point would have been potentially fatal. I lucked out that it didn't stand up until it got back to the rear of the car, missing the trans pan by a couple of inches.

FredR

The aluminium belly pan has the advantage that even if you did hit something hard, if the motor survives the belly pan can be straightened out with a very big hammer.

I do not have the naca type vents fitted but if anyone happens to have a dimensional diagram of them a copy much appreciated. Cannot say I noticed a problem without them but then over here we get more than our fair share of heat damage long term.

Mechanical damage not withstanding, I understand the car needs the pan to achieve the ground effect at 90+ mph.

Regards

Fred

MainePorsche

I think the belly pan is a must have item. I'm placing riv nuts in the rales for the two front arms so removal/replacement will be that much easier. I wouldn't leave home without it.

545svk

Bill, is that a pic of you exhaust? Ouch! Getting an aluminum pan from the states is not on the cards at present. Perhaps an option is to add some bracing to the factory one here is Aus.

Does anyone have a photo of the underside of a s4 with all its covers on?

Thanks

fonetico

You're crazy not to buy an aluminium (sorry, English spelling) pan. The Porsche version is far too fragile for Australian roads. I know, I'm Australian.
This is the British version: http://www.nixsoft-consulting.co.uk/...hp?id=products
Surely Hilton is the man to consult for all things 928 in Oz.

SeanR

I think the same way, I'd not go with out one. The engine cools much better with one, the added level of protection from the aluminum one is worth the price in multiples. And of course the aero improvements.

I took the naca ducts out of a crapped out factory one and installed them on an aluminum one, it has saved my a/c and alternator mount points numerous times.

chitown928s4

Can you install the aluminum pan without a front spoiler. I dont have one.

545svk

The issue is resolving itself - Not only is the vendor not returning my calls to arrange to view the tray, but the asking price is basically the same as an aluminium one from the UK (thanks for the link). I will search to see if one of the local specialists have one.Thanks for all the valuable input.

SeanR

Contact Roger @ 928sRus.com and I"m sure you will get a good deal. He has lots of Aussi customers.

sendarius

There was an issue a while ago with freight from US to Oz for these belly pans (possibly now resolved).

IIRC, the dimensions exceeded new limits put in place by the cheapest carrier, and the alternative was VERY expensive.

928Myles

Because of the frieght issue (to NZ its even worse) I managed to get hold of an old broken one and use it a template to make my own aluminium one.

Might be an option.

Myles