So long as I am not running my 8 hard is there any big problem with driving around for a few days without the UnderTray? Tomorrow I plan on replacing my busted A/C condenser and need to remove the tray. I ordered RB protective screens but they will not be here till next week. I really can’t do everything at once so can I just keep the undertay off till I get the RB screens? It looks like it will be under 80 deg for the next week anyway.

 

No point repairing the A/C Condenser when it could get damaged again without the understray in place.

 

i dont suggest you drive without it. just as small rocks can cause paint chips, they can also get tossed up in there just as easily. the undertray is critical in protecting the components there. even if you dont drive hard its still possible to get stuff flying in.

 

If your A/C condenser is already broken, the tray only serves to keep the engine cool (by forcing airflow through the rad). Not much further damage can occur because the condenser is the only exposed, fragile part. (Unless it is completely gone, in which case you stand a pretty good chance of damaging your ESS, which is another $250.)
However, once you replace the condenser, you MUST replace the tray. Only a few miles of regular driving will immediatey subject the condenser to major abuse.

 

In the interest of offering a counterpoint, I haven't had an undertray installed in over a year. With all the turbo goings on, its just a pain in the a$$ to keep taking it off and on again. I was looking closely at the condenser last night, trying to find an intake bolt that I dropped in behind the rad. The condenser is dirty, but is undamaged.

 

It's been 2 weeks since I took mine off.

 

Do you have a reason for running with it off?

Unless you have a specific reason to take it off like Expo or MadDog, it makes me think of the saying - "just because you can, doesn't mean you should" Seems like a needless \ no benefit game of russian roulette to me.

 

I am going to now wait till I get the screens, It being under 80 for the last / next few days has reduced my desire for A/C Plus MM post was a big factor also.

 

I'll refer you to my thread located here:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/engine-under-tray-140-mph-%3D-91417/
As you can see in the first pic, my condenser has taken quite a few hits.
This is with only part of the tray missing and for only a few days at most.

 

 

it provides important support for the lower front bumper fascia, if you hit something on the road the bumper cover will proably be seriously damaged or tear off completely

 

It does provide support, though not having the support seems to make the bumper more flexible.
I've found that when I've had speed-bump impacts on the bottom of the bumper, most of the stress is passed on to the mounting points under the marker lights.
That implies a lot of flexibility - most of which will probably crack the paint eventually.
So, that said, it is probably a good idea to have a less-than-visible piece of plastic under the car support impacts rather than the bumper.