Engine Undertray

[markt]

Hi All

Is there a tray that fits under the engine to protect it from road muck, stones, etc?

If there is one, would someone be so kind as to take a pic and post it here with a few dimensions so I can get something laser cut and bent to fit.

If there is such a thing, its probably originally made of plastic, old cardboard boxes or a flattened oil drum I think stainless would look rather nice...

Not the easiest thing to photograph, but I'm sure someones car's on a lift, or will be soon (Mine's starting to suffer from vertigo 'cos it's up in the air so often).

Thanks - Mark

[Guest teigan]

i've been wanting the same item. still researching best shape and dimensions. i'll end up making it out of vacuum infused kevlar; much lighter and stronger than stainless steel. please share any info you find on existing trays.

[markt]

Hi Teigan

Will probably end up having a good look under the car and taking some cardboard and making up a template - Do have an S4 at my disposal, which also has one (so I'm told). Will use that as a guide. I'll draw something up in Inventor and PM you a pdf or dxf ...

Seems you have shinier toys at your disposal than me if you can get stuff vacuum formed and fired... I'll have to settle for something laser cut - either stainless, aluminum or impact resistant Domex.

Will let you know how I get on. Uunless one of the kind folk out there can give me a pic to work from, I'm doing it the hard way (Hint Hint )

[f1karting]

Hi All

Is there a tray that fits under the engine to protect it from road muck, stones, etc?

If there is one, would someone be so kind as to take a pic and post it here with a few dimensions so I can get something laser cut and bent to fit.

If there is such a thing, its probably originally made of plastic, old cardboard boxes or a flattened oil drum    I think stainless would look rather nice...

Not the easiest thing to photograph, but I'm sure someones car's on a lift, or will be soon (Mine's starting to suffer from vertigo 'cos it's up in the air so often).

Thanks - Mark

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mark.. I have a mold made for the S3 undertray and an original I can take some photos and dims of if you prefer. The mold is designed for use with the vacuum bag system, of which I have tools and equipment for doing. Havnt made any parts from that mold yet, but is ready to go, waxed and all. If you are in no rush I could do a glass or even CF/hybid/epoxy one for you. Jan

you can email me f1@horizon.bc.ca

[Guest teigan]

hey mark. i'm an autodesk inventor user too. parametric is the future. let me know when you get those measurements. i'd say get in as tight as possible for ground clearance. i also wanted to mount an electric fan or two in a convenient place, for cooling and ground effect.

[wern]

Hi Mark,just been perusing the SJ catalogue where there is a part listed as "engine bay undertray" (an SJ part number) on the body sections page,could this be what you are looking for.While on the subject has anyone tried replacing the front undershield with stainless or similar? It would save alot of rebolting etc.(especially in my case!) and just think of the sparks when you hit a dip!!

Cheers Paul 84T.

[Guest teigan]

my front tray is kevlar, but painted black and looks stock. i've hit some mean driveway dips, and the part has held up better than the original.

[wern]

Hi Teigan,where did you get hold of it or did you get it made for you?

Paul.

[Guest teigan]

i made a mould of the original part. the lotus part was beat up pretty bad when i got it, so the surface texture is not entirely smooth. the scratches are only noticable to me though, since it goes under the car. if you're planning a visit to california, i can pop a part out for you. i used 20 ounce kevlar(overkill X 3), but you can choose your own fabric.

[wern]

Thanks Teigan might give it a go,did you do it in one or two sections?

Paul.

[markt]

Hi All - Thanks for all the input...

Local member Bladerunner's offered me the use of his engine undertray as a sample to get a few dimensions. Thanks Duncan.

Teigen - Will send you the file when I've drawn it up. Interested in your ideas on mounting fans underneath to get rid of some heat. I can get 8, 10 or 12" universal fans that are about 1.5" in height, so nice and compact. Will fiddle around with these, check placement etc...

Jan - Thanks for the offer. I know of a few Esprits that are missing this item, so thinking about getting a quantity together, let you know and getting a few made-up - Might keep you in beer money for a while:)

Maybe between the three of us we can get Teigans proposed system of cooling and ground effects sorted out? Sounds like an interesting idea.

Wern- Didn't think of looking through SJ's catalogue... Think I'll make something myself - more fun that way and I've given Steve enough cash for a while

My front tray has been thumped a few times too, so I'll be drawing something up to replace it. Will be something easy enough to detach for maintenance, cleaning etc. Looks like Teigan's already done something similar and might be able to help - depends where you are located. A few drawings will be circulating so you could give this to someone in your area who has access to a laser cutter or vacuum press.

Thanks for all the replies - Mark

[Guest teigan]

wern: i used the original layout with 2 pieces. helps with storage of the moulds, as well as ease of fitting. please note, there was minimal weight savings.

mark: that file will come in useful. i have access to a CNC foam cutter. i could resin coat the result to create the mould plug. we should engineer valleys under the places oil drips most and slope it into a reservoir for periodic draining. we'd only be removing the part for oil changes and other maintainence tasks made extra difficult by lotus. at that point, we could examine the stains and diagnose potential problems. white semigloss paint should do the trick.