I'm not sure if this belongs here or in the tech area, but I'll post it here to be safe I guess.

Being the idiot that I am, I tried to go through a carwash (I know, I know, but I was lazy) after lowering the car and got my front lip snagged on the bar that you cross over so the machine knows when you're in position. I heard the large *crunch*, backed up, *crunch* and backed all the way out of the car wash line to find that THANKFULLY no real damage came to my bumper (some scratches on the underside but whatever), but the plastic guard that covers most of the underside of the car was ripped from the bumper and also has a nice long crack along the middle of it length-wise.

Basically the thing is useless unless I really want to painstakingly re-attach it by drilling new holes and fastening it to new parts underneath the car.

So my question is: Is this thing necessary? Does it protect essential components underneath the car from road debris and damage, or would I be just fine taking it off permanently?

 

You don't need it. I've had mine off for almost a year.

 

Yes.

 

^+1....definitely necessary. As you said , it keeps dirt an debris out of engine bay, away from sensitive electrical components ..also manages air flow under car.....my .02..GL

 

A vendor makes a nice metal one

 

Yes it's necessary. Not that everything on this forum is gospel... But I remember reading that without it your bumper may be damaged at highway speeds without the support.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/body-exteri...-ready-16.html

 

Its really nice to have, i wouldn't run around without one.

 

Yes the OEM under engine shroud is pretty cheap.However,it does serve a purpose.
If it did'nt,you would think Nissan would not have it on the car.If you are planning on
keeping your car for awhile,I really recommend a allumunum under shroud.
I have one on my car--from ZSPEED-black powder coated.Costs about $175.
Fits perfect.A biG benifit is a neat little door that is hinged,opened with one bolt.
Quick access for oil and filter changes.The unit looks great.It would seem that there may be some aerodynamic pluses also.
I bought mine at Z-1 MOTORSPORTS.

 

don't forget it also forces all the air that inters the bumper threw the radiator where as without it the air will be less likey to go threw the radiator and then will escape threw other means

 

I would definitely run one if you can, it's better safe than sorry and it helps to support the bumper.

I have been running the Z Speed underpanel and it is a great product!

 

+1 Waizzz speaks the truth.

 

anyone know if the undershroud will fit with the vertex bumper? My OEM one is gone and dont wanna spend $$$ on the Zspeed one if it doesnt fit.
Im assuming it wont without modifications since the vertex bumper sits lower then stock but maybe someone with a vertex front can chime in

 

The Zspeed is 2 pieces... If the front bumper sits lower you can split it and add an extra spacer or two to make it fit the lower side. I had a Do-Luck and I tried adapting the Z speed and split it... It didn't work for me because the Do-Luck goes all the way under the engine.

 

will this under shroud fit a NISMO bumper ..oem nismo V3?

 

I believe it doesn't because of the diffuser on the V3.

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I'll look into getting one of the aluminum undershrouds.

Do you use that with your V2 bumper? Did it fit just as well?

 

it only fits the v3 it you have the diffuser, taken from there for sale thread:

https://my350z.com/forum/body-exteri...are-ready.html

 

That actually makes more sense.

 

I decided to go ahead and get the ZSpeed V2 as well. Good luck with selling your OEM!