I'm getting my 8 back today completely fixed except for the plastic that attatches under the front of the car - over the oil pan and all that. I'm not sure what the part is actually called.

My question is, do I need to be concerned about driving without this underpanel/cover or w.e for a couple days until I get the part?

 

There's nothing that covers the oil pan.

Anyways, I know what you're talking about, there's about 1/3 of us on the 8 club that's running without one. You should be fine, although some people say that it helps if you live in warmer climates and/or rocks and debris might puncture the radiator.

 

Shouldn't be a problem.

The airflow to the rad will be less, but still plenty. The only thing I could think of would be the tires kicking up stones into the a/c condensor - don't go off-road!

S

 

That's exactly what the mechanic told me..just double checking with you guys

He seems to be a good mechanic..I hope so. I wont know for sure until an hour or two though

 

Short term on good pavement..should be OK

Picking up a rock could cost you an AC condensor or Radiator......

"you feeling lucky" :-)

 

Anyway I can do a ghetto fix until I get the part lmao

 

There's a billion ways to fix it. One method is to buy one of those laundry baskets (without holes in them) and cut them up, zip tie them into place, and you're good to go.

 

I talked to a Mazda mechanic about this when I was buying a replacement tray for my car. He said it was absolutely required on the Mazda 3 for proper cooling. If you don't have it, the car would overheat. He didn't know if it was needed on the RX8.

 

A while ago, mine was torn off of my 8 and my engine temp never went over 190F in 80F weather. After about a month, I got paranoid about rocks puncturing my rad/ac condenser so I bought another one.

 

what's the part officially called?

 

It's called underpan cover or something. Thats what the Tech at the dealership over here kept calling it.

 

Talk to Gr3ddyGr3ddy i think his name is spelled im sure he has some

 

Under Cover. I would not drive around without one for fear of improper engine cooling or rock damage as previously stated.