9 replies to this topic

[forestdweller37]

Our chump Miata is missing the plastic under tray that sits below the forward portion of the engine. This is the large tray that needs to be removed when changing front sway bars. Does anyone know if it's absence will adversely affect the airflow through the radiator? I know people drive their street cars without the tray in place, but that doesn't stress the cooling system like endurance racing.

[tony senese]

I have raced without this piece before and didn't have cooling issues, but I have an aftermarket 3 pass radiator so I don't know about either of the stock radiators. My biggest concern was junk (dirt, grass, other car parts) getting up into the engine compartment and knocking the alternator belt off. I would either get a used one at the junkyard or replace it with a sheet of thin aluminum.

[wreckerboy]

I have run the street Meotter without it and noticed immediately that the car ran warmer, and that was on a mild spring day. I'd go with fabbing something out of aluminum as well - the crap that falls off cars would be almost as big a concern as proper airflow.

[forestdweller37]

Thank you for the replies. I'll replace it or fabricate one.

-Chris

[Jim Drago]

Thank you for the replies. I'll replace it or fabricate one.

-Chris

You need the tray, it will absolutely effect the cooling of the car, especially with stock radiator.
Jim

[davew]

Jim is absolutely correct. They are actually fairly inexpensive.

Dave

[Roadsterx]

Cone Damage tried practicing for the Spokane race without theirs on 90 plus degree temps and lost the motor.. They ended up using the drip pan the car was sitting over as a tray. The plastic piece is much easier to put on

[Joe (dad) Jordan]

Our chump Miata is missing the plastic under tray that sits below the forward portion of the engine. This is the large tray that needs to be removed when changing front sway bars. Does anyone know if it's absence will adversely affect the airflow through the radiator? I know people drive their street cars without the tray in place, but that doesn't stress the cooling system like endurance racing.

the under tray is very important to cooling. We ran without it at the button willow arse freeze Lemons race without any trouble although it was in December. The under tray is really cheap like 40 bucks or something so it may be worth bringing it with you just in case.

[Keith Novak]

Cone Damage tried practicing for the Spokane race without theirs on 90 plus degree temps and lost the motor.. They ended up using the drip pan the car was sitting over as a tray. The plastic piece is much easier to put on

We overheated during our test day there in the shark using an OEM radiator. We duct taped cardboard to make our own and it ran fine for the whole 24 hrs

[forestdweller37]

We did go ahead and replace our undertray. The car's only been out for a single race weekend in cooler temps (with SCCA oddly enough), but the cooling system performed flawlessly.