[718isPorsche#1]

Changed oil & filter on my 986 and since it has no diaper under the engine I wonder what if it was left off after the change on my 718C? Might lose 10mph off the top end but I don't care about that. Cooling is done by the radiator & fan combo. I won't change oil myself till it's 4 year is passed. I'll try it then if no one has already.

 

[msacks]

My guess would be both aerodynamics and engine protection would both compromised.

 

[MikePhDPE]

going through a puddle would probably get water all up in the engine bay.

 

[splinter]

I had it off during routine maintenance.

Appears to be more of a 'noise encapsulation panel' than substantial protection for the underpinnings.
I'll leave it off for the summer and continue to monitor OBD-II IATs. And I never drive it in the rain.

What with stringent driveby noise requirements in many countries Porsche and other marques have been fitting these for decades.
The likelihood of me noticing any aerodynamic disadvantages without it in place are virtually nil.
The other underbody paneling is plenty slick and no doubt serves its purpose approaching 300 km/h!

Suncoast has experienced favorable results reducing the deleterious effects of track day heat soak by leaving its panel off...

Suncoast Project Car - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

718 Forum - Suncoast Project Car - With our project car fully up and running we wanted to give a little info about it as there aren't too many 718's at the track, at least not in FL as we've seen. Little back story, we used to run a 2008 Cayman S 6-speed that was built more as a little parts...

rennlist.com

 

[Viffermike]

You know, it would be quite nice if major aftermarket entities such as Suncoast participated on 718Forum.com by contributing information like this. (The heavens know we have collectively ordered enough from it ... )

I really don't think that's too much to ask, is it?

Considering Rennlist's attitude toward the 718 and its beyond-antiquated technical structure -- it's basically non-navigable using certain browsers and platforms -- I'm a little nonplussed that Suncoast isn't sharing here. Does anyone know if it participates regularly on P9?

 

[splinter]

Its absence certainly facilitates additional airflow circulation through and out of the engine compartment.

Oil, (OBD-II) coolant and IAT temperatures have dropped some ~10°F - 15°F during sporty summertime operation.
Of note particularly is a more rapid recovery to cooler temperatures when settling down once again.

Its retrofitted center radiator also contributes to improved thermal management although stated temperature reductions are irrespective of -and in addition to- its initial fitment.

 

[reiver]

I'll try with/without this coming summer as I often drive in 100-110 ambient weather. I'd like to see the temp differences.
My modded 911 SC works perfectly in that heat ( 190-205 oil temps generally and rarely higher) so I have some experience working that issue.
I took the panel off after purchase to look things over and you'd have to work at it to 'hurt' something in the engine bay....like high siding it doing the Dakar rally.
Nice post by Suncoast on the subject.

 

[cbracerx]

This has no negative impact on the cars' high speed stability or performance. And in my experience this prevents limp mode occurrences on the racetrack. For the comments about Suncoast posting on this forum, they are reasonably active on rennlist. I would bet no one has approached them with the details on this forum (average daily users, posts per day and the like).

 

[Aronis]

If you get road debris up in against the engine you could end up with damage. Those guards are there for more than Aerodynamics I think.

Mike

 

[cbracerx]

For a long time, auto engines had no undertrays. We all managed to survive that without any serous issues. This really isn’t any different.

 

[reiver]

I can't see the under-body panel as an aero addition...it would have to extend fuhrer to perform as that but may have some benefit. Does it protect anything that is vulnerable? I don't see anything that falls in that category given wheel placement and debris possibly thrown...how many here run without it and why?