Anybody buy and install a skid plate in Hawaii? Moss has a heavy stainless steel one on sale right now and I'm thinking of getting one.

I could be wrong but from viewing other people's install of this plate, there really isn't any substantial cross frame or metal protecting our precious drivetrain parts from ground impact. :impatient

This kind of concerns me as I live in dip-central Moiliili. My current ride bottoms out on those intersection dips/drainange canals as it is when I go too fast or when I don't see a dip. Now granted my trusty old altima is 12 years old, I'm worried that either myself or a friend driving my beautiful new MCSa will not see one of these dips and CRUNCH! bottom out my new baby.

I know that the Moss skid plate adds on another 25lbs, but if the dealer won't void my warranty for it, I'm thinking of going for it. I'll just have to lose massive amounts of weight from my body on track days.

Any input on this mod? Thanks everyone.

--pyratio

 

--No..nobody? No thoughts? Bueller....Bueller.....Frye... Frye.....Frye....

I guess I'll be the first then.

--pyratio

 

My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with a girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.

 

LOL!

Yay! Someone got my joke! I knew Mini drivers were cooler than average!

--pyratio

 

Yes, the skid plate will protect you from some hazzards and "improvised explosive devices" should you come across any.

Weight is a consideration, not too bad.

What is bad is that once installed the plate blocks access to the bottom portion of the engine. So if the dealership has to check or fix anything blocked by the plate they will charge you labor to remove it when servicing is done.

Considering you have stock suspension and normal wheels if you drive reasonably (speed limit) you should do fine most of the time even if the roads are poor. I drive my very low MINI all the time around different areas with minimal problems scraping. You do need to be careful when necessary or in places you are unfamiliar with. My front ground clearance to the bumper is about 2 inches or less.:impatient

 

think i heard/read that not too many follks get the skid plate cause of the cost/weight/hassle factor vs. how much protection you truly need down there.

i ended up just getting the steering fan protector instead when it was on sale, as i believe that is one thing i was a bit more worried about getting damaged down in that area. plus it doesn't get in the way of much anything when working on the mini's front end.

 

This may be a bit late, but the Moss skidplate was the first mod I made to my '03 MCS. I grounded the front the first week I had the car, and have been glad I had it many times over the last couple of years! And yes, I autocross the car too, without any problems. The weight is so low down that it doesn't affect handling. Just lighten your fuel load, if you haven't already!

 

Just picked up the new Cobalt aluminum skid plate ... it's only around 9 lbs :smile:

 

If you track the car you might really want to think about this item. The local shop in town just got thru replacing , oil pan, crank, rods, pistons etc for a guy that went off track and put a hole in his pan. He didnt know he had done that much damage and tried to make it back to the pits BIG mistake.

 

Where did you find it? I've been looking everywhere...


Ryan

 

--Here ya go Tripplebeem. It's at mossmini.com. Here's a link...

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...21&SortOrder=1

--pyratio

 

Yep, that's where I bought mine