hallo
The engine pan has nothing to do with the aerodynamics,it is simply for noisereduction

On a Turbo which is way faster in the Topspeed ,even the 3.6 Turbo is no Enginepan at all , and we see them flying on the autobahn exceeding 175 mph every day ,on all 4 wheels not just on the rears.
So : take it off,leave it on :
sit back ,relax and enjoy the ride .
harald

 

Prior to the 3.6L engine, the exhaust valves were sodium-filled. For the 3.6L engine, with the use of ceramic liners, non-sodium filled valves were used. However, the intake valves were sodium filled to allow heat from the heads to help cold starting.

 

Bill, you say that 3.6 engines have Ceramic liners? Do you mean the lining in the cylinders or something else?

The reason why I ask is because I only know of the 993 Twin Turbos having ceramic linings.

Also, the intake valves are sodium filled? Where are you getting this info. from? It sounds like a very useful source, I'm curious...but not so sure about the ceramic lining.

 

Jeff,

There are a couple of sources, Paul Frere's "Porsche 911 Story" and Peter Morgan's "Original 911" both discuss it.

Here's what Frere says: "However, a more significant development was the 'portliners' fitted to the exhaust ports. These ceramic liners were inserted in the foundry mould before the aluminum was poured, and were consequently an integral part of the head. Being bad heat conductors, they reduced the cylinder head temperature by some 40 degrees C, which made the use of sodium-cooled exhaust valves unnecessary".

 

From reading the discussions here and looking under my 964 it seems unclear as to which piece is being referred to in the debate of removal or not. Are there any pictures out there to illustrate this more clearly?
I'm sure that removal of the wrong shroud or heat sheild could be more damaging than leaving the engine pan on.

 

Bruce,

Look under your rear bumper at the engine. If the cover is in place, it will cover the entire bottom area of the engine. It's roughly around 4' long and 3' wide. In the picture that John posted in his original post, that shows all BUT the cover under the engine. Those you do want to leave in place, regardless of what you may decide on the cover under the engine.

 

The points about lower engine temps are clear, but no one has addressed the point that a full belly pan is a good thing to have on a track car. Not only are aerodynamics improved, the chance of hooking something under the car during an off-course excursion are diminished. AS