I'm about to install a Cobalt stainless steel skid plate to my '03 MCS. Living in Minneapolis and planning on some light winter use, it seems like a safe precaution. Also considering a M7 carbon fiber Air Diverter Plate. Keeping in mind how the M7 ADP helps divert airflow to the radiator, AC heat exchanger and engine bay, I'm wondering would the skid plate have a negative effect on any of this setup. Does anyone know? Or has anyone installed either or both? Ladies and gentlemen, your thoughts please...

Benson

 

i've heard that they might not let in enough air to the steering rack and causing it to overheat. that's the reason i just go the ps fan protector instead of the full skid plate

 

Yeah..some have drilled bigger holes around the fan of the PS unit. I had the same plate on years ago but I took it off once I decided to lighten up my car. In fact, where the heck IS my skid plate? It's in my garage somewhere...:impatient

 

I've been running my skid plate for 2 years & 30,000 miles. To be honest I can't tell if it affects engine bay airflow. My car doesn't run hot & I've had zero problems with the power steering. I really like the fact that my engines cast aluminum pan is protected from icebergs in winter & race track curbing in summer.

 

+1

 

Is there a ps fan protector on the market or is it a diy project ?

Thanks.

 

If you like the chrome thing.... http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...26&SortOrder=1 and they have 15% off expiring soon. Coupon code: MIN7HOL ..........Easy DIY

 

What about changing the Oil? Will I have to remove my plate when dumping the oil? I just installed it a couple weekends a go.
Mario

 

You only need the PS fan cover on 02-04 models, I believe, right? It's mainly there to keep you from sucking plastic bags or paper into the fan and blowing the PS fan, right? My 06 had a fan cover pre-installed (IIRC)...

 

Right Matt. 05 & 06 MINI's already have a guard in place.

 

I can't imagine a lack of cool air during the winter to be a problem in Minnesota.

Guess that's global warming for ya!

 

You can enlarge the whole that partially restricts the oil flow. If you don't you will have oil accumulate on the plate during an oil change. For some...thats ok. But Im not even that ghetto. Some use the petcock valve for the oil but still kinda run into problems.

 

Thanks, I was thinking about buying a really nice system that sucks the oil from the dip stick. I have heard good things about certain ones. This would be perfect for me because of the plate, and the car being so low. I can't even put a floor jack under the car with out driving it on ramps first.
M

 

Get a Fumoto Valve. I've heard those with skid plates got the version with the nipple--where they put on a piece of hose to drain the oil from the valve through the skidplate. I've had a Fumoto Valve in both my MINI's with over 80,000 miles combined and no issues.

Richard

 

Thats the valve I was talking about. I remember...the hose is a good fix.

 

I have zero problems with draining the oil with the skid plate on. I'm not a fan of the Fumuto valve. One more thing to worry about breaking off. It's not a hardship to remove one 13mm drain bolt.

 

Minneapolis sees high 90s, high humidity and bird-sized mosquitos during the summer.

 

114,500 miles and counting with a SS Moss skidplate installed. Local temps range from below zero to 100F+. Never a problem, but the bottom of the skidplate is scared from occasionally being forced to run over something with a lowered car. Makes me happy it's there.

Scott
90SM

 

Ive run the Moss plate for at least 50k miles with no issues . Nice piece of mind for any track events or even rough canyon driving.