How important is the belly pan (engine splash pan)?

[Legends21]

While going through the early '85 Porsche 944 I purchased, I noticed the belly pan (engine splash pan) was discarded sometime in the past.

 

Should I consider replacing it? In addition to protection of the engine, is there a noticeable aerodynamic difference?

 

Dale

[Tim Comeau]

Aerodynamics, yes. But, I believe, the more important issue is the air flow through the front of the car. The late cars have 2 pans. One from the cross member to the rear of the radiator housing. The other goes from the front of the radiator housing to the front spoiler. These channel the airflow right where Porsche wants it to be. That smaller front belly pan also has "walls" on it to keep air from spilling off to the sides of the radiator. The longer you can channel the airflow behind the radiator area, the more fresh air it will vacuum in behind it.

There are 3 different main belly pans.

1. 83-85

2. 85.5-88

3. 924S

I have late and 924S pans for sale.

[944-Spec#94]

Tim,

Last I looked the 924S and 83-84 pans were the same.

[Tim Comeau]

Nope, the uprights are different. The 944 uprights are full width, the 924S has uprights that are half that width because of some chassis changes (brackets).

[944-Spec#94]

ok, I cut my uprights off to make space for my brade duct hoses.