Esprit "skid plate"

[little66085]

Can anyone tell me what the plate below the motor on my '95 Esprit is for. Mine is missing and I need to know if it is necessary. If so, can a person fabricate it with some heavy guage aluminum. Is there any louvers or holes in it for cooling?
Thanks, Rob

[Skerd]

You mean the undertray thing? If you ever look at the bottom of the car when it is up on a lift, the whold underneath has them. Smoother bottom of car = faster air below car = more downforce.

[little66085]

It looks like this is the only "bolt" on plate there is. I just noticed the bolt holes from underneath when is was on the lift. Is there others? Is there any reason I couldn't fabricate one?
Thanks, Rob

[lotusguy]

little66085 said: It looks like this is the only "bolt" on plate there is. I just noticed the bolt holes from underneath when is was on the lift. Is there others? Is there any reason I couldn't fabricate one?
Thanks, Rob

Rob,

You could fabricate one, but it's best made from GRP rather than aluminum. As was mentioned, this is part of the designed aerodynamics of the car and it is not recommended that you run high speeds without it.

The reason GRP is recommended is that you could shoot a mold from another undertray and get the dimensions and contours correct to achieve the airflow characteristics Lotus designed. Plus, it would follow the time honored mantra of Colin Chapman of adding lightness. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[wignall]

If you are in the UK I have one you can have for a small fee

Cheers
Carl

[little66085]

Thanks everyone! Unfortunately i'm not in the UK.