Miata Mailing List: July 1995, Message #86
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   From: Arch Glasgow 
Subject: Re: Under-engine Cover
   Date: Tue, 4 Jul 1995 21:59:37 -0400

On Tue, 4 Jul 1995, Tom Manson wrote:

> Miateers,
> I have been thinking about the purpose and effect of the cover that is 
> attached under the engine.  I noticed that Phil Forsythe's car has it 
> removed as does its sister ITE factory car.
> 
> The cover obviously precludes more active airflow in the engine 
> compartment.  But it also seems that it might increase the air pressure 
> under the car.  Removing the cover could allow cooler engine compartment 
> air temperatures and decrease the pressure under the car (thus helping 
> the car stick to the road better).  Although I haven't checked it out, it 
> would seem to offer better access to the oil filter from under the car as 
> well.
> 
> Anyone else have any thoughts or opinions on the subject?
> 
> Tom Manson, Frederick, MD		
> Product Assurance Manager, Orbital Sciences Corporation, Greenbelt, MD 20770
> President, Chesapeake Area Miata	301-220-5670 (O)  301-694-6721 (H)
> Manson@fred.net				301-873-4004 (M)  301-414-9441 (P)
> http://www.fred.net/manson/home.html


I find this rather interesting. I have really noticed a lot of difference 
in my cars performance when the outside temperature gets below 80 F. The 
engine is stronger and more eager. This no doubt is what makes the 
Jackson cold air system so popular. I run a stock setup but often on hot 
days wonder what a little cooler intake air might do. The removal of this 
cover might be interesting. At the same time I have seldom felt that any 
car company would put anything in a car that wasn't absolutely necessary 
sooner or later, especially if it is not seen or heard as in this case. 
Perhaps it has to do with keeping water out in freeway rain situations. I 
for one will be interested in future discussion on this. Stones out of 
the belts perhaps? Does anyone have the official part description. 
Perhaps this would help with the purpose.




Archie Glasgow Elect. Eng. Techn.
University of Windsor Bio. Sci.
CANADA
arch@server.uwindsor.ca