Just changed oil for the first time on my 2014 WRX. Taking down the plastic "skid plate" or shield to gain access to the filter is kind of time consuming. Is it something that can be left off or can I cut an access hole instead?
Cutting an access hole is the better option. Especially with winter right around the corner. That plate protects your engine bay from road debris and things like water and salt water.
I will be getting a skid plate made up to take the place of the plastic OEM cover. I 'am going to have an Oil filter door put in for easy access. Not sure if engine noise will increase in the cab tho but it will be nice in the snow.
yeah its a pain but I wouldnt take it off and not put it on. It is a barrier for all kids of stuff. Ive had 4 subies and just cut a hole, its easier. Get a fumoto quick drain plug and you wont have a reason to take the cover off ever again
I 'am sure this has been covered before but this is the palce that I will be ordering one up from. Just E-mail Paul and he will get back to you. Tell him your from MNSUBARU and he will work with you. http://www.get-primitive.com/********I'am going to be ordering one in a week or two so maybe we could organize a group buy or something.***********anyone???**************D
well piss, I didn't know he did MNS discounts. My plate is from primitive too. Fitment is a little low but it's good stuff overall.
I can't really say. It went on immediately following an engine rebuild so it's hard to compare apples and oranges. I suspect I'm getting a little bit more NVH from it, but nothing huge.
It only takes a minute or two to take it off and I kind of like taking it off for every oil change. I clean it up and then I'm able to notice any leaks or drops on the engine side of it.
Paul will cut access holes in it if you want him too as well. A lot of people do that and get fumoto valves at the same time.
Fumoto valves on all my cars. Just ordered one for my first oil change on my Forester. With the oil filter on top of the FB motor and the Fumoto valve installed it should make for very easy and mess free oil changes.
I don't mind the extra time in the nice weather but I'm thinking when it's 15 degrees out and I'm laying underneath it in the unheated garage I'd like to make the change as quick as possible. I'll be cutting an access hole one of these days before the chilly weather arrives.
I may want to look into getting some plastic back under there after reading all these comments. Last April's rallycross wrecked most of that plastic, and I just took the rest out from underneath the car. I saw "group buy" mentioned up there. I'd definitely be interested if we could get some kind of discount.
The absolute best thing I can recommend is to get hold of a largish cardboard box. And lay on it while working under the car. It's softer than concrete, and provides a bit of insulation. As a bonus, it helps keep your garage floor oil stain free. I scored one, when we bought a new grill last year, that has a big glossy decal on two sides, so any spilled oil tends to bead up on it rather than just soaking in. Paul Ecklund is a fellow rally guy and great guy to work with!
I called last night and ordered one. I was surprised to hear they made them for the GRs I got the oil filter cutout, longer header spacers for my EL headers and the MNsubie discount and it came to $244 shipped. I got the 1/8th deep plate for $200 not the 3/8th for $240
Skid plates FTW! When in deep snow they help keep it all out of your engine back and stuff like that as well. I drove with it off on my STi once on the highways... not sure if it was just a fluke or if its related, but that was the worst gas mileage I have ever got on the highway by far.
It's amazing what redirecting the wind can do! Having done alot of hangliding I can atest to the importance of cleaning up that turbulent air!! I left mine on and cut an access hole and then taped over it with the tape that they use when winterizing boats. I folded over one end to make an easy to grab portion and positioned it to the rear so that it can be removed easily.
I did exactly one oil change on my Legacy and it came off at the next oil change and has resided in my garage attic for the past eight years. The car has experienced no ill effects and my blood pressure is lower and my cursing almost nonexistent when doing oil changes. I have to admit I do not have someone record my spinning of countless donuts in unplowed parking lots during winter storms and post the videos on the Interwebz to show off my drifting prowess...at least until I clobber a curb. I can't stand it when people call these plastic POS aero devices a "skid plate". They might prevent skid marks in your undapants, but that is about all they can handle. My fuel mileage might suffer a couple tenths of a MPG, but seriously, are any of us hypermilers? My engine is really no dirtier that any other car I have had over the decades and now I can now easily tell when the car is pissing itself with one of it's vital fluids, rather than it being concealed by the plastic diaper. The wife's new Escape requires the undershield be completely removed from the car for an oil change. This one has ducting in it that directs airflow to the turbo (anyway I think that is where it leads) and I am a little afraid to permanently remove it. Each oil change results in a newly crafted string of curse words which quite often are physically impossible or completely improbable.
I guess I tend to agree with Pillboy though from the standpoint that all the Subaru engines just hang out in the open with no ill effects and salt and road debris etc. will surely find there way in there anyway. I already cut the hole and it will be easy to do an oil change. For now I'll leave it as is.
I was referring to a real skid plate(metal). Had one on my 03 wrx and couldn't have been happier. The NA Impreza undertray is much smaller then the WRX and STi on the GD. However, I don't know if they are interchangeable. The GR tray can be a PITA. I was going to put a skidplate in if I kept it.
