I have a new age WRX.

I was wondering if removing the plastic undertray would be a wise move or not. (I didn't have one on my classic)

Would it help cooling?? or would it get even hotter??

Thinking on the lines of the air that has passed through the intercooler and is now being forced downwards.

I would have assumed that it's only there for protection.


What would you do?

Remove or not to remove that is the question ???

Thanks

SSS

 

Removing it helps keep the engine cooler (and makes oil changes easier). I presume it is there to stop water getting on the headers. Like you, I also don't have one on my classic.

 

According to a test in Autospeed internet magazine if you remove it you decrease air flow Through I/C, who knows...
JIM

 

I removed mine on my type R ver5.

It does help with cooling the oil temp as I have seen a difference on the gauge I've fitted.

IMO, a good thing!

 

smells when water gets on the exhaust wrap though, like flex-cell (for all you builders out there)

 

It's there for a purpose! Does your oil get so hot it needs extra cooling? On the public road I very much doubt it! I reckon the advantages of protection to the engine, hoses etc. plus stopping road crap from corroding all that alloy (eg engine!) far outweigh the bother and 5 min. it takes to re-fit.
Just my opinion.
JohnD

 

Could be worth removing it purely for track days, but I wouldn't run mine on the road without it, too much crap around!

 

Thanks for all your replies.

I would seem that it's a split decision by those that have posted. Looks like a lot are removed on the classics but not the new age. I had a classic and it didn't have one fitted anyway. I think the new age owners would leave it where it is?

I shall do just that and leave it be.

My original thoughts was that it may reduce under bonnet temeratures, not necessarily engine oil but other things like inlet temps etc. I thought the tray was there for protection only.

I will remove it now and again to clean all the crap out of it etc, like leaves and the like.

Thanks for your help.

SSS

 

I removed mine for a few laps around the 'ring but it didn't seem to reduce my temps

It may affect top speed through increased drag if you remove it and the airflow through the engine bay. If you decide to do it just remember to remove the gearbox cover as well or going 140mph will do it for you

F

 

Pre 97 classics didn't have the under I think,
I can still change the oil with the tray on as there is a cut out for it but you can't get the the filter - someone mustn't of thought it through very well when designing!

If you remove it the air will be pushing up through the bottom of the engine bay fighting against the air coming down through the intercooler so you probably would get higher charge temps.

 

We have removed ours for trackdays but have replaced it with a sump guard.

R.B

 

Remove the tray and get your headers covered in high temp paint, this will act as water proofing, mine dont steem or shed vapour at all without the tray on.

My DP is covered in HT paint too. No probs.