Posting this in Drivetrain because it seems like it best fits here.

So first to clear out the obvious first thought, I have an automatic instead of a manual transmission because that's just how the car is. I can drive manual and have had multiple manual cars but I'm not picky to which I drive. The one I have still has the paddle shifters so it's still a ton of fun.

Now with that out of the way, I've been trying to get a skid plate for my car because I have plans to take it lower and the few different ones I have found are all listed as manual transmission only.

Does anyone know the reason for this? Is there some sort of different clearance underneath the car with the way the transmissions are setup that prevents the automatic one from adding a plate? Because that's the only answer I can think of but it still doesn't sound feasible.

I've been trying to look up an answer and I'm just not coming up with anything. My only option left is to actually call the manufacturer and ask why they list it as such but was hoping I'm not the only person to ever try this and someone could provide some info. Or even a photo of the underside of the car to see the possible difference because I don't have access to a lift to get a clear view of it. I know of someone who may possibly be able to fabricate one for me if I can't secure one otherwise.

 

One reason might be the engines with the auto are mounted a little closer to the passenger side and some of the lower mounts are different. With the tight clearances, that small difference might be the reason.

Another reason might be they didn't test it with the auto so they just say manual only

 

I ended up emailing the folks at Outmotoring about the Rennline Aluminum Skid Plate they have listed and the representative told me that to his understanding it can be made to fit with a simple modification.

When I asked what type of modification was needed his response was:

"I wish I knew more about the mods required but based on some feedback from another customer who bough the GP belly pan he said he just had to remove a small area where the bell housing would hit the pan. I assume the aluminum skid plate has similar issues with the space under the bell housing and can be cut out with a cutting wheel."


Now to me it just seems a little counterproductive to cut out a small section of the plate because that would just weaken the integrity of it and would have a small part of the bell housing sticking out unprotected

Does anyone know the difference in thickness between the bell housing on a manual transmission to an automatic one? I was thinking if it isn't too much of a difference then maybe I could just get longer bolts and spacers to make the plate sit a little farther away. But then that also raises the question if it would then sit too low and would actually get caught on something while driving.