Engine sheet metal

[James M]

How important is the lower sheet metal to cooling of the engine? Is it safe to run without it? I am getting different stories from different people that I ask. One says that not having the metal runs the engine extremely hot and damages the valves and another person tells me that the lower sheet metal is mainly for guarding from rocks. Also the heat exchangers have been removed does this change how the cooling system on the car should be set up at all?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

In general, the factory did not put extra pieces on the car. Everything that's there is there for a reason.

The plates just under the cylinders and heads, which bolt to the case on one end and the head on the outer end, are absolutely critical for proper engine cooling. They help to keep the cooling air moving to the proper areas.

I'm not certain that the ones below that (that screw into the case, the thermostat bracket, and the heat exchangers) are as vital, but they are probably a good thing to leave on. They aren't there for no reason at all, so unless there is an overwhelming reason to get rid of them I would suggest keeping them.

--DD