Lower engine-trans shield

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lhcar15

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Hello all, wondering if you have removed the lower underneath cover that is secured with four quick release fasteners? Does it need it?

Thank you
LHCAR15
 

ridered74

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I removed mine first oil change. If it is ever needed you'll wish you had it, but the chances of that are infinitely slim.
 

bpd1151

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Really not necessary to keep it in place.

Ford, just like many other mfg.'ers, use those pieces in order to help increase fuel mileage (which I guess given today's economic/political climate, might not be a bad thing).

Many of us have opted to ditch them entirely, in order to gain some cooling efficiency. Or if one or two of those fasteners somehow disengage and get lost.
 

SM105K

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I keep mine on. It probably saved my bacon when I hit a work boot that was in the middle of the freeway doing 80 mph. However, I did cut the recessed holes to provide more cooling efficiency. It has been said they help with hood bulge at felony speeds.
 

Ta2dResqr

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I cut mine also. I think I read the Flex or something had the holes pre-cut? The same shield just with the holes.
 

SM105K

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I cut mine also. I think I read the Flex or something had the holes pre-cut? The same shield just with the holes.
Pretty sure that is correct.
 

SHOthyme

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I cut mine also. I think I read the Flex or something had the holes pre-cut? The same shield just with the holes.
I can confirm, I replaced my broken one with the Flex and the holes are cut, it's currently sitting in my garage... not on the car. I might get it on there someday. :shrug:
 

yaycandy

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Stone mountain roads tore mine off along with the rubber skirt under the bumper. Not really a splitter though. Ive been wanting to get new ones as i seen they can help mpg by 3-4% on the highway. But i didnt buy it for mpg anyway so im indecisive as usual.
 

lhcar15

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Thank you everyone for your replies and comments. I put on Godspeed lowering springs front and rear and since then the cover is hitting and popping off on the right rear fastener. A few local shops said they take them off, but one did say it's probably for fuel economy. I took it off for now. Maybe I need new struts these have 70K miles on them.

Thank you
LHCAR15
 

J persons

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Every time I took my SHO to my local Ford dealer for an oil change, they forget to secure one of the fasteners that hold the lower shield in place and it will flop around until it hits something and breaks. I went back to the service dept and complained and they blew me off. So now I do my own oil changes, and if it has to go to a dealer, I go to another dealer that actually has some very good service techs. I was told that the shield needed to be in place, because it is a part of the air management system and removing it could lead to overheating.
 
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yaycandy

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Every time I took my SHO to my local Ford dealer for an oil change, they forget to secure one of the fasteners that hold the lower shield in place and it will flop around until it hits something and breaks. I went back to the service dept and complained and they blew me off. So now I do my own oil changes, and if it has to go to a dealer, I it to another dealer that actually has some very good service techs. I was told that the shield needed to be in place, because it is a part of the air management system and removing it could lead to overheating.

I aint had one on in over 3 years. No overheating issues. Ive actually never had the car overheat. Even with a blown engine it never overheated. One of the things i still have yet to do. Get one cookin
 

BadBrad

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Keeping it in place is a great way to hide the fact that your water pump is leaking (don't ask me how I know). That said, I changed my oil yesterday and installed the cover.
 

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