i know i might be just be imagination but my fabia seems to run a lot better without the bottom engine cover fitted...

i can only assume that it's because of the extra cooling or somthing, posibly the vacuum under the car helps to exhaust the hot air from the radiator

has anybody else noticed this??

I keep meaning to get the undertray off SWMBO's Fabia to see if it really does have an oil leak, or whether there's just a pool of oil left over from when the dealer overfilled it, slowly dripping off the tray onto the drive. Seeing how it could do with all the performance assistance it can get (it's a 1.4 MPi), I might just leave it off for a bit and see what happens - unless it's going to leave vulnerable bits exposed to damage, in which case I could be cruising for a bruising...

My undertray fell off and the only difference I noticed was it was a bit noisier. It was only a lowly 1.9 TDI though

Chris

i didn't mean there was any gain in performance.... what i mean is it seems to run a lot smoother, and just happier in general

i didn't mean there was any gain in performance.... what i mean is it seems to run a lot smoother, and just happier in general

It could do with having that fixed, too!

I noticed it seems to be happier without the top one.

To prove/disprove you might try data logging before and after.

BTW - why is there a lower cover anyway??

There may be something in this - may try it this summer in the 37 deg C heat....

Cheers

Bas

I think the lower one is sound proofing predominantly, but it may also prevent road muck getting onto the engine and may offer some aerodynamic benefits? It's also good for catching any screws/screwdriver bits that you drop whilst working on the engine

Chris

Helps preventing bashing the sump.

It's also good for catching any screws/screwdriver bits that you drop whilst working on the engine

Chris

I should have though of that when I dropped my 4mm Allen socket head whilst removing the throttle dome - I fear it may be long gone by now, however!

Helps preventing bashing the sump.

Imvho, it offers very little protection - it's only flimsy plastic

Chris

I should have though of that when I dropped my 4mm Allen socket head whilst removing the throttle dome - I fear it may be long gone by now, however!

It may well still be there as the top surface of the tray has "castellations" which may well have caught it and held it in place

Chris

I've not had a top tray or bottom tray since my conversion. I've noticed no difference to be honest. Noise is not an issue for me, plus I like the noise mine makes, so want to make it as audible as possible.

No engine tray makes oil changes nice and quick though.

My octy doesn't have one, looks like it was ripped off by the previous owner or when it use to be a demo.

Just some holes that are broken and scratched quite bad at the sides were it was attached.

Helps preventing bashing the sump.

i dont think it would stop anything bashing the sump really

Didn't put the oil cap on when I topped up last time. drove for 6 miles and got home. low and behold the cap was at the bottom of the engine bay on this plastic tray. the car smelt like a greasy oven..... so it has it's advantages of having it on but, .....

I can imagine the tray is their for protection against dirt , salt etc from roads.

maybe the bottom tray will reflect the sound of the engine back into the engine bay and back into the cabin therefore making it sound louder with it on? and quiter (smoother) with it off?

So to those who are lower cover-less: do you find the engine gets dirty, or it's noisier?

You'd likely get a good increase in airflow without the relatively enclosed engine space.

Interesting observation Teflon......