Fate710

iTrader: (1)

So as we all know, the undertray on our cars gets damaged/broken easily. Mine has been ripped to shreds. Do you have to have the undertray? Alot of cars don't have them and I was just curious if I could pull it off and be alright. I know the Radiator and A/C Condenser are right there(A/C doesn't work anyway).

Just tryin to see if I'd be alright without it, or I should get another one to replace it.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

It is designed to force air through the radiator and condenser. It is necessary not only because of that but road debris would destroy it in a heart beat if you didn't have it.

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

Well currently I only have at most the back half of the tray. The tray itself has a big V if you will down the middle and doesn't cover half of what it used to, and no problems.

zoom44

fixed

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

Been broken like this for around 2000 miles now, and not a problem.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I was talking to one of the Mazda techs when I was ordering a new one for my car a year ago. He said that it was a necessity on the Mazda 3. If it wasn't there, the car would overheat. He didn't know how it would affect the RX8.

Been through a Arizona summer yet?

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

Not yet. I don't have a problem ordering one, just wondering if it was a have to have.

KrumbZ

iTrader: (3)

get an racing beat a/c screen

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

There is no reason for me to order one of the screens as I'll be pulling the A/C out completely

EricMeyer

The belly pan is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL to cooling your water temps. ABSOLUTELY. You can consider this an "I told you so" message if you do not get that fixed.

If you run your car hard you will find this out sooner than if you just drive it to work and back. I can only imagine the hot Arizona temps contributing even more to this troubled issue. Get it fixed my friend.

Also, the stock water temp gauge in the RX-8 is totally worthless. If you are watching this gauge as a guide to your engine's status then you are sorely on the path to ebaying for a new motor.

Are you getting my point yet?

We have swapped and rebuilt more RX-8 motors than probably 99% of the people of this forum. I know what I'm talking about.

Good luck.

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

Eric,

Definitely agree with you on the gauge. I just wasn't sure on the whole necessity of the undertray as I've seen many a cars without them.

Is it worth upgrading to a aluminum one(like the one Race Roots was making or is making)? I don't mind buying another plastic one, but if I could get an aluminum one that won't break on me all the time, that'd be great. When you scrape everything and you aren't even lowered all the way yet, it makes you want to make sure that everything is protected and you have the best protection parts.

One of the next upgrades is a new set of gauges, but I have to decide if I'm going to swap to a Stack Cluster or not.


And just to clarify for you Eric, you may or may not consider this running hard, but I drift my car instead of auto-x/track it, while also dailying it.. I consider that running hard as you are spending more times at the rev limiter than any other racing sport, but to each his own.

ganseg

iTrader: (5)

What is the best way to keep the front attached? i replaced lost stock screws in front and they we gone again in a week.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

yes!

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

I'm wondering how did you get the plastic one messed up so badly in the first place. My car is 6 1/2 years old and the undertray is in excellent shape.
If you shred the plastic tray that much, I would not bother getting the aluminium one as that is expensive and you'd get it damaged anyway if you scrape. Then just get a plastic replacement.

Krango

I dont know how people break these..I've hit a racoon and concrete block and still got mine :P

sauceyI986

well since i live in az, i believe it does help the car because ever since i ran with out it the temp gauge will shoot up, in a matter of seconds, i believe it wasn't getting enough air. but i know with it i never had any problems and that was going on doing a 30min drive from 35th ave to tuke for work

sauceyI986

i know it not my questions but i think these under trays get messed up by drifting , and curbs i think mainly that how i messed up mine anyway.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

replace it, 120 bux or something.

without it, your car would overheat, and even with RB screen or Mazda stock screen, Your radiator still gonna get hit in no time. and water leaks are not funny (it disables your car right away), towing + replace leaky Radiator = cost way more than that Undertray itself.

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

Easy,

I need to get up there to see you guys again and get one ordered. I also need to order some other OEM replacement parts.

I still haven't replaced it, but it has gotten a little worse now and I'm waiting till I get paid to fix it.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Dude you need to get that tray in before summer comes to AZ! Give Ray a call.

Fate710

iTrader: (1)

yup. I need to get the tray and hardware, and some trunk hardware, and I'll be good again.

kevk

yeah imagine what would have happened to your radiator if it had not been there, also might be why your air doesn't work you might has a pin hole in your condenser it actually happens allot like 3/4 of the cars i see that the ac doe not work in it aside from obouvious compressor problems the condenser is what is leaking.

kevk

i put aircraft sealant on mine mil-spec 8802

ganseg

iTrader: (5)

Integral Fuel Tank Sealant Designed to withstand the attack of sulfur compounds present in jet fuels. Also used as pressurized cabin sealant. This is a rapid curing material.

What is this stuff like to get apart? I plan to take my bumper off periodically. Other ideas too?

JantzenRX-8

iTrader: (9)

I know the under panel is necessary under the radiator and should be in complete working order but how critical are the front sections of the mud gaurds? Both of mine have ripped off below the oil coolers. The back side is still in good shape there's just nothing below the oil cooler.

Sorry OP -- kind of a different subject for your thread but related.