Engine Under Tray + 140 MPH = ....
06-03-2006, 08:04 PM
#1
Engine Under Tray + 140 MPH = ....
As some of you might be aware, I had the "opportunity" to run my RX-8 flat out for several thousand miles over the past few weeks. Much of that time was spent in the triple digits, many at "the limit" so to speak.
At some point near the end of these escapades, I became aware of a flapping noise coming from under the car at certain speeds. I had assumed (incorrectly) that I had grabbed a plastic bag or something similar under the car.
What had actually happened was the mounting screws at the the mating point of the front lip and the under tray had allowed the tray to work free and it was being blown down, off the car. The result was not pretty.
This had also allowed the air conditioning condensor to take on some gravel hits, none of which seemed to compromise the system, but I was lucky.
Mazda wants almost $200 for this piece of plastic.
Instead, I fabricated my own replacement.
First I grabbed one of the many Sterilite storage bins that I had laying around after my move to Arizona.
Then, I cut a setion from the lid that corresponded to the hole in the under tray.
At some point near the end of these escapades, I became aware of a flapping noise coming from under the car at certain speeds. I had assumed (incorrectly) that I had grabbed a plastic bag or something similar under the car.
What had actually happened was the mounting screws at the the mating point of the front lip and the under tray had allowed the tray to work free and it was being blown down, off the car. The result was not pretty.
This had also allowed the air conditioning condensor to take on some gravel hits, none of which seemed to compromise the system, but I was lucky.
Mazda wants almost $200 for this piece of plastic.
Instead, I fabricated my own replacement.
First I grabbed one of the many Sterilite storage bins that I had laying around after my move to Arizona.
Then, I cut a setion from the lid that corresponded to the hole in the under tray.
Last edited by MazdaManiac; 06-03-2006 at 08:07 PM.
06-03-2006, 08:07 PM
#2
Engine Under Tray + 140 MPH = ... (part 2)
I was sure when doing this that I had the appropriate warning markings visible to protect children in your neighborhood.
Then, using a pop-rivet gun and a cordless drill, I attached the new panel to the remains of the old panel.
Voilá! Good as new.
Then, using a pop-rivet gun and a cordless drill, I attached the new panel to the remains of the old panel.
Voilá! Good as new.
Last edited by MazdaManiac; 06-03-2006 at 08:13 PM.
06-03-2006, 08:16 PM
#5
Screws weren't loose. They were still in there, tight as can be.
The holes that the screws go through in the tray are (were) elliptical, so the tray's occillations from the high speed wind wiggled the tray right off of the screws.
The two new screws in the center positions have larger washers, longer threaded sections and the holes in the new section of plastic are round and just large enough for the screws to go through and nothing more.
The holes that the screws go through in the tray are (were) elliptical, so the tray's occillations from the high speed wind wiggled the tray right off of the screws.
The two new screws in the center positions have larger washers, longer threaded sections and the holes in the new section of plastic are round and just large enough for the screws to go through and nothing more.
06-03-2006, 08:20 PM
#6
Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
Screws weren't loose. They were still in there, tight as can be.
The holes that the screws go through in the tray are (were) elliptical, so the tray's occillations from the high speed wind wiggled the tray right off of the screws.
The two new screws in the center positions have larger washers, longer threaded sections and the holes in the new section of plastic are round and just large enough for the screws to go through and nothing more.
The holes that the screws go through in the tray are (were) elliptical, so the tray's occillations from the high speed wind wiggled the tray right off of the screws.
The two new screws in the center positions have larger washers, longer threaded sections and the holes in the new section of plastic are round and just large enough for the screws to go through and nothing more.
that must have been big big fun.... i had to replace the screws with crap from autozone... then order the right ones to get my lower sealed...
i am glad that i noticed the sag....
now the kids under the car. you could sell that sticker!!!!
beers
06-03-2006, 08:31 PM
#7
I don't buy Kool-Aid
MazdaManiac, 
Why dose it look like you bottomed out? Or it looks like you hit the cement in a parking lot parking spot or a curb? on your front bumper?
Or is it just me?
Why dose it look like you bottomed out? Or it looks like you hit the cement in a parking lot parking spot or a curb? on your front bumper?
Or is it just me?
06-03-2006, 08:54 PM
#8
I'm in a constant state of scraping. Just getting out of my driveway is an ordeal.
It isn't visible from any normal viewing position, so I don't worry about it.
My cross braces, side skirts and such suffer equally.
I've never "hit" anything, though.
It isn't visible from any normal viewing position, so I don't worry about it.
My cross braces, side skirts and such suffer equally.
I've never "hit" anything, though.
06-04-2006, 07:14 PM
#12
I guess if the undertray moved enough to wear the holes oval, the next question is whether or not we are venting the under hood air pressure quick enough at high speeds to prevent this from happening again(?). Will it only be a matter of more high speed driving before MM has this happen again?
06-04-2006, 07:33 PM
#13
p/n for those plastic screws?
I think mine got loose and lost somehow...I am missing 2 down there. Anyone know the part number for those plastic "clip" screw? BTW, pretty cool solution. In the meanwhile, you can look to see if you can get a used one from a junk yard.
06-04-2006, 09:56 PM
#14
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I noticed the front end felt light at 135+
Whenever I go very fast (over 135), I do notice the front end feels a little light, especially noticeable on long sweeping curves. I wonder if it is this "plate" bowing from the pressure, creating extra lift on the front end....
03-11-2007, 09:21 PM
#17
Originally Posted by DOMINION
MazdaManiac,
Why dose it look like you bottomed out? Or it looks like you hit the cement in a parking lot parking spot or a curb? on your front bumper?
Or is it just me?
Why dose it look like you bottomed out? Or it looks like you hit the cement in a parking lot parking spot or a curb? on your front bumper?
Or is it just me?
I love the warning sign, haha.
03-11-2007, 10:25 PM
#19
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****, i thought i was the only one. One night i hit 135mph and then i hear the scraping noise. I still haven't figured out a solution for the under tray, but ill take this one into consideration
03-13-2007, 07:16 PM
#23
I dont care...
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Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
I was sure when doing this that I had the appropriate warning markings visible to protect children in your neighborhood.
Then, using a pop-rivet gun and a cordless drill, I attached the new panel to the remains of the old panel.
Voilá! Good as new.
Then, using a pop-rivet gun and a cordless drill, I attached the new panel to the remains of the old panel.
Voilá! Good as new.
03-13-2007, 07:47 PM
#25
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My tray is hanging down (has been for a few months)...looks like it's smiling at me. Piece of ****? Should I be pro-active here and get the middle gap fixed before it comes tearing off? That wouldn't happen with the speeds Maniac was hitting...that would be wrong