While doing an oil change in my 97 1.8Tq today I thought why not keep the underneath plastic engine cover off for improved cooling. I also have a 94 911 and it is common practice to keep the engine covers off of them for reduced heat. 911's are prone to valve guide wear with the excess heat so many mechanics suggest keeping them off. What about the 1.8T. The engine is insulated in there with the upper plastic housing and the lower, how does that thing breathe? I'm sure the tray offers some kind of aerodynamic benefit but if it common practice to remove them on 911's, why not my 1.8? What do you guys think?<p>George<br>97 1.8TqAS TAPII<br>94 Carrera 4 wide-body chipped as well.<br>

It might even create hot spots if removed. The engine compartment cooling flow should have been designed with the shield in place. Maybe instead of traveling all around the engine (and turbo), the air would make a quick exit out the bottom, thereby letting some components heat up more. However, the primary purpose of the cooling is for the radiator, not the engine, so you might be OK. I'm not sure how to find out for sure.<p>Things might be different on the 911 because the engine is in the back, out of the direct airflow. Removing the shield might create extra cooling there, which is more critical since its engine isn't water-cooled.<p>So, I guess my opinion is to not fix it since it's not broken in the 1.8T.

Remember, you want your car to reach operating temperature asap and stay at 195deg to burn off contaimants in your oil.<p>Corey<br>

No and neither does my 911. Just thinking long term. We all know how hot it gets under the hood of our turbo charged cars. I was hoping to get some fresh air in there this summer

Just thinking long term. I was thinking along the lines of the turbo istself. We all know how hot it gets under the hood of our turbo charged cars. I was hoping to get some fresh air in there especially this summer. Might help the intercoller as well. Also when our cars sit after after an aggressive drive that heat is literally sandwiched in there. Last year on hot days I would prop the hood open for a bit to assist the cool down. I'm not worried about the engine getting to operating temp I know for sure its doing that. Dale has a great point about possibly creating a vacuum and making things worse, that is why I need opinions.<p>Thanks,<br>George

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Removing the shield might cause some of the air coming through the bottom grill to exit under the car, and under the radiator, instead of passing through the radiator. Wouldn't be a good thing.