Stem

I see that Carnewal and Performance Products, both offer engine protection plates. One in probably aluminum, the other in stainless steel. Do I need one? Why? And, is there still enough airflow for cooling (even though this is a water wagon)? Is the extra weight worth it?

993RS

This topic has been discussed extensively on the 993 board. The 964 and the 993 both came equipped with an engine tray. The main reason was to reduce engine noise. Many experts have recommended removing the engine tray because it does cause the engine to heat up more. I removed mine. Another reason for removing it, was that many felt it gives you an early warning on engine oil leakage. Others felt that it offered protection to keep the engine clean, above all in winter.

The 996 did not come with such a tray because it has no problems with engine noise to meet the norm.
IMHO: you do not need it.

Stem

Thanx. That is just the kind of info I wanted to get!

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It is not unheard of for 996's owners to bottom out their cars and break the engine case. My 2001 996 cab had all the nuts and the bottom plate sheared off by the previous owner resulting in a significant financial loss by him.
Whether these after market covering plates will save an owner from a similar fate is hard to say. But severe engine damage does happen to 996's and the low ground clearance with lack of protection is the reason.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by 993RS:
<strong>This topic has been discussed extensively on the 993 board. The 964 and the 993 both came equipped with an engine tray.</strong><hr></blockquote>

This is not to be confused with the 996 protection plate. The previous cars had a plastic tray for sound muffling while the 996 doesn't. The 996 engine protection plate is made of steel and is designed to protect the bottom of the engine from damage while being scraped against concrete curbs. If your 996 is lowered, you should consider adding this protection plate.

Stem

I got the 030 Sport suspension. Will that lower the car enough to have to consider the protection plate?

993RS

Viken was right as usual. I spoke to a Porsche mechanic who told me that the engine of the 996 is more liable to be damaged when the car is lowered than that of the 993, and for this reason it is recommendable to install the protection plate when the car is lowered.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by Stem:
<strong>I got the 030 Sport suspension. Will that lower the car enough to have to consider the protection plate?</strong><hr></blockquote>

The most you will see is probably a 10 mm lowering at the rear with the ROW 030. While that may not be enough for some, it might be just the right amount for your conditions. The best way to check is to see how close your engine is to a concrete sidewalk curb.