Is the plastic engine tray worth it?

[david burton]

This thing is starting to get on my t**s,

I was just trying to replace the temp sender, and the metal connector pinged off onto the tray. So now it's impossible to get to. If it's there at all. It also means taking the tray off every time I want to change the oil. I've also had a spark plug fall down there and then burnt myself getting the bloody thing out.

What is the point of the tray on the 16v? I can see it directs cool air to the gearbox. And stops water getting into the engine bay. Will my car break if I don't have it (no), will it be a bad thing if I just bin it?

Opinions please!

[bstardchild]

This thing is starting to get on my ****,

I was just trying to replace the temp sender, and the metal connector pinged off onto the tray. So now it's impossible to get to. If it's there at all. It also means taking the tray off every time I want to change the oil. I've also had a spark plug fall down there and then burnt myself getting the bloody thing out.

What is the point of the tray on the 16v? I can see it directs cool air to the gearbox. And stops water getting into the engine bay. Will my car break if I don't have it (no), will it be a bad thing if I just bin it?

Opinions please!

In my experience (other cars) you will notice an increase in fuel consumption if you remove it

[david burton]

I don't want it to get any worse!

It seems like it's not too drastic to remove it, although it is a pain. probably going to keep it for now as I have a pit and it's not too hard to remove it.

[Speedlaw]

It's there to keep the engine bay cleaner as well. Other than that, it may help control damage when you hit the pavement. Just a bit though, it's only plastic of course.

I say bin it.