For those that have lowered to euro-spec, is an engine protection plate a requirement? Does anyone also run a front lip skid protection rib? Is any one brand of rear protection plate better than others? Does it's install effect engine temps? thanks

 

I have the Porsche plate on my car. Installed it with the x74 suspension. It goes on really easy and is quite cheap ~$85)

I have tapped it a few times since I installed the suspension, I'm glad it there. It will keep the oil pan from getting scraped/gouged, but won't support the weight of the car or anything like that, it's just ~1/8" aluminum. The Porsche one has a cut out for the oil drain plug.
I have not seen it affect engine temps.

I don't know about the front protection plate, but will watch this thread to learn more about it.

Andy

 

My car is lowered 20mm and I drove it for a few weeks before buying the protection plate. I didn't actually 'notice' the car striking the ground but while underneath the car replacing the water pump I noticed a few new scratches on the rear-most engine boss/jack point and that convinced me to buy the plate.

My car is a 99 and the oil pan is not smooth on the bottom, it has reinforcements cast into the shape including a 5-6 mm lip around the perimeter of the oil pan. I can easily understand how a piece of road debris could 'catch' this back lip and crack the edge off the pan.

Because of this particular design I think what the protection plate really does is keep things from directly hitting the raised edges and chipping it.

My understanding is that the later cars had a different pan design that makes them less vulnerable.

As the previous poster mentions, the pan is simply thin aluminum and very light. Plus it's only like $90 from Suncoast. I haven't noticed any difference in temps but I have seen some new scratches on the bottom of the plate.

I think it's a good idea on lowered cars but if you're careful you could probably get away without using it.

 

Not a requirement ... but just a inexpensive way to have peace of mind that you have protected a very expensive part of the car, and a critical part, with a less than a $100.

I too have it on my '99 C2 with the x74 suspension and like the others said it is just that...a protection plate.

The factory one will do just right for you unless you really plan on lowering the car further and/or running track events on a more regular basis.

As far as heat goes...I have only heard 'rumours' that the plate will increase heat but I have not seen any proof of this. I could see this being 'possible' again on the track and so then maybe a different design is needed with more cooling capabilities (air movement between the plate and engine) and yet still protect the bottom of the engine.

Note: the plate does not sit flush with the bottom of the engine so there is air between them and the front and back are open for air flow.

 

I have a 99 w/JICs and have the Porsche protection plate. I too have not noticed any noticeable difference in engine temps at track. My friend also has a 99 but w/o a protection plate and our temps are about the same. I also noticed a few scuffs on the plate so I know it has already done its job. Automotion.com has a protection plate of their own that covers more area under the engine. I think that one may affect temps because so much more area is covered. Anyone with this plate want to chime in?

 

I find there are a bunch of different rear protection plates avail...some of these cookie trays look pretty flimsy, not to mention, pretty tacky. Which of the following plates are you guys running? Can you see the plate at all from the rear of your car? Anyone have a pic of OEM Porsche plate? Anyone running a front skid plate as well? Thanks for earlier (and any future) replies.

 

The one pictured above is the Porsche part. I have it, it works fine.

 

^^^^ +1

No skid plate...I really see no need for it as I have the front spoiler under the bumper that works as my indicator 'I should not go over this speed bump or up this driveway at the angle I am attempting too', obviously at speed it doesn't work but then my eyes do.

 

I have that one you posted... yeah it was flimsy and added an Alum angle from home depot to strengthen it, worked great. But ugly,. It does its job and didnt get hot, even at spirited drives with the SC... but now I leave it off cause I dont think the protection plate is necessary. Just be carefull backing up. Im running pss9's.

 

Thanks for replies. I'm leaning towards the OEM stamped cookie tray at this point. There is a series of deadly homemade speedbumps en route to the local golf course that has me concerned!