Engine 'undertray' missing

[cookieguy]

Part of the underneath of my car (and the Veg's) is missing.

I can only describe it as an 'undertray' It is the large flat plastic/fiberglass panel which covers the fuel pumps and the underside of the rear of the engine.

I can only believe that this part was removed whilst being the car was being worked on at some point in its life and never replaced.

Does anyone know if these can be purchased?

Cheers

Adam

[Bibs]

It was only fitted to the car to ensure it passed drive-by noise tests. Yes, it could be argued that it offers some protection but that's not what it was fitted for and your cars are still OK without it...

[alan]

I ran my car without for a while - took it off to do a job and ran out of time to put it back. As Bibs says its not essential, but when I had the tray removed a stone got thrown up and wedged next to the cambelt - it scored a line on the cambelt so I had to change it. Unlucky and I can not be sure it would not have happened even if the tray was fitted, but I will not be driving around without it again.

[rogerch]

That's exactly why I continue to run mine, the timing belt is completely un-shrouded and unprotected from the elements. Alan you were lucky to only score the belt, it makes sense to protect your baby where possible.

You can can them from SJ Sports Cars called an "Engine bay undertray"

[nic996]

I also do not have this part. Was it fitted only to turbo cars? (Mine is NA)

[richardvg]

As far as i read , it was used in road testing (at Lotus) for noise levels however was never really placed on cars.maybe old Buddsy can provide us with a tech brawing of this as the last one he gave for the exhaust mount was a work of class..........

[Bibs]

Wrong. They were fitted to all cars as they were delivered due to legal requirements. You can't pass a test then discard the parts used to pass it when you sell the cars!

[Simon350S]

I have a brand new one.

Happy for it to be used as a mould if there's enough people wanting to buy one to make it worth while.

[cookieguy]

Ooooooh, I need/want one even more now!

Anyone know the price of these in the UK and more importantly anyone know if I can get my grubby little mitts on one in the US?

[outatym2001]

This picture shows the Undertray, Engine Bay on a U.S. spec 1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo with DellOrto carburetors. The Undertray can be yours for $17,500 and the rest of the Esprit will be thrown in for FREE.

According to my Turbo Esprit 1980-87 Parts List the following are part numbers for the Undertray, Engine Bay.

A082B4292K

B082B4292K

A082B4559K

You will also need the Retaining Strip, Undertray Front A082U4748K and many M6x20 bolts and washers. It's possible your Retaining Strip is still attached to the underside and all you need is one of those three part numbers I listed.

How many bolts hold the Undertray in place? I have no idea. I’ve never owned an Esprit. I’m only helping the owner of the 1985 Esprit sell his car.

https://sites.google...site/cwdesprit/

Below are web site addresses with Lotus parts for sale. Who exactly would have the Undertray you want I have no idea. Happy hunting.

Lotus Parts and/or Service

http://www.jaeparts.com/

http://www.davebean.com/

http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/

http://www.lotusgarage.com/

http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/

http://www.rdent.com/

http://www.spencersmotorsports.com/

http://www.lotusbits.com/

http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/

http://www.thelotuscentre.com/

http://www.elanfactory.com.au/

http://www.vikingmotorsports.com/

[Bibs]

That looks like it cuts downforce at least by half

Perhaps if it were twice as long...

[ramjet]

Bloody hell Bibs, where's the romance in it cuts noise levels? It has to be to inhibit lift and help with downforce and all that wonderful stuff that makes cars go round corners really quick. Doesn't it?

[Bibs]

It's just what 'Mr Esprit' told me. Oh, and it does make the car lighter, and add 3.14bhp.

[red vtec]

So should I have an undertray panel at the front below the rads? I have an Early Stevens.

I have the engine undertray it is currently fitted to my garden wall, as I took it off to look for a leak.

[Mike6]

Bad news Chris, the undertray will not leak

[Bibs]

[The Veg]

I'm not totally convinced of the protective properties of the undertray. Good for keeping the pumps dry, yes, but that big trapezoidal hole in the centre doesn't help the cambelt much.

I'd heard the bit about helping to direct cooling air, but I live in one of the hotter parts of USA and I have no overheating problems without the tray, unless I idle for long periods on a hot day and even then the tray wouldn't help.

I'm tempted to rig up a neat little pump-cover...not sure about expending too much effort on finding the whole tray though.

[Guest WausauLotus]

No wonder these cars go sooooo fast..........An extra 3 HP just for a piece of plastic. If you put 2 on do you get 6 hp?

84S3T Mine has one!

[nic996]

Simon,

Your mould idea is good. I would take one.

[slewthy]

What about the bit under the front spoiler? Mine hasnt got that - '86 S3 N/A. Should it? When I had mine running, I did feel a little lift at high speed. Could this explain it? Oh, and no engine undertray, obviously.

Got to get me one of those 2 post lifts though........

[cookieguy]

I spoke to Dave Bean this morning regards an undertray panel for my '86 HCi. The ones he has in stock are listed as being for a carby Esprit. We didn't think there would be any differences with the parts. Anyone know if it'll work on my car or not?

Dave's part # was 082B429

Cheers

Adam

[cookieguy]

I've just had an undertray delivered and am wondering why these openings are cut into the panel, any ideas?

What does a 'normal' undertray look like? Should I fiberglass over the holes to make the panel complete?

Cheers folks.

Adam