I recently bought an 03 350Z Touring 6-speed, and the plastic cover (I just assumed it was some sort of skid plate) under the engine is hanging on by a thread. The mounting holes are mostly blown out so wide that the bolt heads slip through without a problem. Is this plastic piece necessary for anything? Will I run into any problems down the road if I just remove the damn thing and toss it in the trash? Thanks folks.

 

Well its a cover that keeps your underside clean and prevents smutz from getting to the engine bay. If you don't mind your engine bay getting dirty then remove it and deal with the grime. Otherwise, if you want to keep it tidy, replace it with a new one or better yet get the aluminum version with access to the drainplug and filter. There's a vendor out on the threads selling them. Do a search.........

 

Sweet deal. Thanks...arsey? haha I just joined these forums yesterday because I figured it's easier asking people that have experienced these cars for years then asking random nissan techs haha Already proving useful.

 

Could you just put fender washers over the screws? Any decent hardware store will have them.



The lower cover is also to smooth the airflow under the car. That reduces noise and aero-drag.

 

I would definitly recommend replacing it with the aluminum one, there so much more conveinant.

 

You really want to have that on there. Keeps the engine bay cleaner and the underhood temps lower. Fender washers are a good idea there as winchman said.