Engine Undertray - is it required ?

[C J R]

Hi,
I have been reading one or two threads which talk about trays under the engine compartment. I assume these are factory fitted plastic formed covers which stop road dirt entering the engine bay from underneath the car.
 
The car I have purchased does not have such a tray/cover. Is this good or bad ?
 
I thought it may be good as it will allow passing air to swirl around and keep things like the sump temps lower etc. But thats an uninformed assumption.
 
Can anyone offer advice ?
 
Thanks
Chris

[G@NDY]

Hi Chris, they are very good matey. You should get one, they cool the engine alot.

[C J R]

If its that good, do I just buy a second hand one from another FD ?
 
Thanks
Chris

[G@NDY]

Yep, second hand one. will keep an eye out for one on electronic bay

[Martiny]

Agree with Gandy, it aids with cooling a lot.

[SiH]

Indeed, It also seems to help keep the car more stable at speed. Refitted mine the other day and it seems a lot more stable, front feels more planted, although mine\'s an MS one, not an OEM one.

[antnicuk]

the under tray ducts air through the rad, if not the air goes under it.

[C J R]

Will a standard under tray fit if I have an aftermarket front bumper/spoiler ?
 
Thanks
Chris

[Hayward North]

Will a standard under tray fit if I have an aftermarket front bumper/spoiler ?
 
Thanks
Chris

Yep but it will prolly not meet the front of the bumper so letting air flow under the rad a little.
You could always make a 3mm aluminium undertray that covers everything from the front bumper to the rear of the gearbox like i have seems to be sucked to the ground now

[C J R]

That sounds interesting. Would you have a template or a sketch to show where and how you mounted it.
 
Thanks
Chris

[Fendamonky]

Would you have a template or a sketch to show where and how you mounted it.

I second that notion! And yes, fitting the undertray will help your radiator tremendously.

Steve, do you have any pictures of yours installed?

[Domwhite]

I second that notion! And yes, fitting the undertray will help your radiator tremendously.

Steve, do you have any pictures of yours installed?

Thirded, maybe we can get a bunch knocked up

[Hayward North]

Will be taking pictures at the weekend so you can have a look.
As for template, the best way is to male one out of cardboard 1st then transfer it onto a 8x4 sheet of ally like i did as most bumpers are different.
It relatively easy if not time consuming, i used air tools to cut it out and smooth the edges .
Mine follows the whole front line of the bumper from wheel to wheel and covers the entire underneeth to the gearbox only leaving room for suspension travel and wheel lock.
It also looks the bogs danglys

[AtomicRex]

Weve got a spare undertray if you want one

[Hayward North]

oh and i cut an access pannel out about 3" diam to access the oil drain as i change oil about every 2 months.