opinions on under engine cover?

[forteshadow]

Temps scanned with my ultra gauge stay at 188.6 F with/without the cover.
Seller also claimed the cover "didnt come with the mounting hardware" (as the bolts were already in the car) they may just be covering themselves

[Tebore]

Originally Posted by Maximilien

still can't figure out why this WILL fit a sedan and NOT the 5-Door

If you can get a pic of the bottom of the 5 we can compare it to the sedan/koup.

From what I've seen from the top side, and the suspension drawings and the tech drawings. All three variants share the same engine cradle. This cradle is what the suspension and engine bolts to. This cover only bolts to the cradle. There's a high chance it'll fit.

[arinesmith]

@Tebore, with the better "into the wind" handling and better coasting, have you seen an improvement in MPG?

Would this have a negative effect on CAI air intake? (does it cover where the cooler air would come into that area)

[Tebore]

Originally Posted by arinesmith

@Tebore, with the better "into the wind" handling and better coasting, have you seen an improvement in MPG?

Would this have a negative effect on CAI air intake? (does it cover where the cooler air would come into that area)

I actually noticed a tiny bit of an increase in my MPG. I usually get ~10.8L/100km on the avg gauge. Now I'm getting around 10.2L/100km. I have been getting ~490km a tank compared to the usual 475km.

It's not scientific by any means, we haven't been getting a lot of wind lately and temps are slightly warmer these days.

I'm not going to pull the cover to test the gain in MPG. The drop in cabin noise alone is worth the money. I think it's a nice functional add-on. It provides protection to the underside of the transmission and engine. Reduces cabin noise both engine and wind. Seems to reduce drag (I'm 99% sure it does as to how much in reduction is another story).

I have no idea on the CAI as I use a modified form of the stock intake. I sealed the stock intake and removed the rubber strip under the hood so it's a real ram air.

[arinesmith]

Thanks, I've always thought the Koup coasted for crap. My CR-V out coasts me when we do it side by side.

[Tebore]

Originally Posted by arinesmith

Thanks, I've always thought the Koup coasted for crap. My CR-V out coasts me when we do it side by side.

The reason why it coasts for crap is because of the fuel shut off that occurs at 30-40mph (40-60km for us Canunks). The car won't do this in the range from 40mph to 60miles. If you let off above 60mph it will enter fuel shut off again.
The engine is basically engine braking. Older cars don't shutoff fuel they go to the highest gear and idle the engine.

What I do is I want to coast for a long distance is bip the throttle to take it out of fuel shut off. If I want to coast to a stop i just let the engine do it's thing.

Just an FYI.

[forteshadow]

It doesnt go near the cai filter. the filter is a good 4 inches off to the side...makes it the 1 easy thing to get at with the cover on lol

[dmxsoulja3]

So just to be clear this wouldnt add any extra protection from splashes and such in the area where the CAI sits? I was hoping it would, it def worries me about seeing daylight through the bottom of the car where the filter sits.

[arinesmith]

Did not know that, thanks Tebore.

[brickwallcgt]

this looks very similar to a factory part kia offered the forte to increase fuel efficiency by +2mpg.. sounds smart to use it as an intake protector too

[Tebore]

Originally Posted by brickwallcgt

this looks very similar to a factory part kia offered the forte to increase fuel efficiency by +2mpg.. sounds smart to use it as an intake protector too

It is a factory part at least in Korea.

I love mine. It keeps the engine bay nice and clean by keeping winter road spray down.

The cover has acted liked a skid plate for me a few times.

[SketchedOut]

looks like it's a wise add-on

[tonyterner]

Dmxsoulja3 mentioned seeing daylight while looking down at where his CAI filter is. I don't know about yours but my car has a plastic piece underneath the car shielding the filter from splashes. I have to take that off to access the filter. I would think it would negatively effect the air temp in the engine department though since you are eliminating the bulk of the airflow. I do like the idea of keeping the engine clean though.

[Tebore]

Originally Posted by tonyterner

Dmxsoulja3 mentioned seeing daylight while looking down at where his CAI filter is. I don't know about yours but my car has a plastic piece underneath the car shielding the filter from splashes. I have to take that off to access the filter. I would think it would negatively effect the air temp in the engine department though since you are eliminating the bulk of the airflow. I do like the idea of keeping the engine clean though.

You have to understand the design of the car and engine to state it will affect engine temps and airflow. Quick checks of underhood temps are same before and after.

Most cars are designed to minimize airflow under the car (it creates a suction thus drag). So counting on airflow coming from under the engine to cool the engine should be moot.

The cooling system on the forte is pretty good for a stock system it's an aluminium radiator and all aluminium engine.

The grill design is already designed to maximize cooling by channelling it directly in to the radiator and closing off stray airflow(The foglight grill and the sides of the grill are closed). This serves to make the radiator more effective and creates less drag on the car.

[arinesmith]

Did anyone ever try this on a Koup?