Plastic Pan Under Engine Ducts Not Open

[Matt M PA]

Hey guys....when I was working on the SHO last weekend, I noticed that the big plastic pan underneath has two ducts molded into it...but they aren't open.

This AM, I saw one on Facebook for sale, and the ducts are cut open. Is this a PP vs non PP thing? Could it hurt to open them to be functional?

 

[bpd1151]

It's neither a PP, or a Non-PP "thing".

I forgot what model year that the supplier who makes them for FMC "opened" them up.

I know 2010's were all closed, including mine. I would be guessing they began changing mid production 2012 leading into 2013's. But not entirely sure.

I haven't seen anything that says one way or another, if there was/is a performance benefit, or not.

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[SHOdded]

Maybe for ptu cooling, if only on awd vehicles?

 

[SM105K]

I have a 13 PP and mine are closed. I was thinking about opening them up however. Just worried it may mess with the structural integrity of the splash guard.

 

[b4black]

I suspect these pans are only about fuel economy and that their impact is tiny (but significant for an OEM trying to meet CAFE standards). If heat is indeed the killer of PTUs, then maybe removing the pan is better in the long run.

 

[SHOdded]

As long as you don't hit triple digit speeds, lol.

 

[bpd1151]

As long as you don't hit triple digit speeds, lol.

Well, triple digits coupled with hood vents (& no hood pins)......

Only then does it instill the puckering effect. Hahaha

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[Matt M PA]

This is all interesting. There's another view of the one of Facebook now, and the smaller inlet has some sort of duct attached on the bottom. The poster say his wife's Flex has them cut out, too. Wonder if its the same part?

 

[bpd1151]

It was more common on the FLEX to have them "cut out"..... however it wasn't/isn't exclusive to the FLEX platform only.

There was NEVER any ducting that I have known to be used from a factory/production perspective.

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[SM105K]

As long as you don't hit triple digit speeds, lol.

Mine came loose at triple digit speeds and I drug it until I came to a complete stop. I replaced all of the hardware and fasteners afterward. Hasn't come off since and I may or may not have hit a top speed during this. If it comes off again, it will get metal zip tied.

 

[Matt M PA]

FWIW, here's the bottom of the above-mentioned piece. Looks like some kind of scoop or duct on the back side..

EDIT: the poster on Facebook says this is from an SHO as he also has the plastic engine cover listed.

 

[Johnbigdog]

Huh. My 2016 belly pan looks nothing like that.

View attachment 8548 FWIW, here's the bottom of the above-mentioned piece. Looks like some kind of scoop or duct on the back side..

 

[krewat]

My 2013 and 2016 belly pans did not have cutouts. Not sure on the 2018 yet

And no duct like in the picture.

Do the Explorers have a similar (same?) belly pan?

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

Yeah it's odd that Ford put the scoops there I'm torn a bit if it's worth the time to make a fiberglass one with scoops open or just one that is more flat like a super car And adding hood vents.

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[Matt M PA]

Yet another update. Poster says his is/was a 2010 non PP. Here's the other site of that pan.

 

[Jeff2017]

I noticed that when I changed my oil a couple of weeks ago. I cannot see any harm in cutting the plastic to open up the holes. Seems like added air flow can only help the PTU.

 

[GHNorth]

I just checked, and my 2013 non-PP also has those "scoops", but they are closed. Funny I never noticed.

 

[KDPL]

In SHO, those channels are closed. Flex one is a direct swap and has ducting to direct air around ptu and oil pan.
Part # DA8Z9910494B

 

[Jeff2017]

In SHO, those channels are closed. Flex one is a direct swap and has ducting to direct air around ptu and oil pan.
Part # DA8Z9910494B

So the flex belly pan will fit the SHO? If so, here is a place that has a really good price.

https://www.go-parts.com/1015-ford-flex-engine-splash-shield-p-340603.html

 

[Matt M PA]

Perhaps the earlier cars came with them...but wonder why it may have changed.

I can check with my parts guy and report back on a price for OEM.

Just a heads-up...I think the part in the link above is aftermarket...

Looking around on-line, it appears that they EcoBoost Flex models come with the splash pan...but the non EBs do not...FWIW...