ThomBoh

A few months ago I bought a used 2001 TT roadster (FWD) a few months ago for a price too cheap to say no to (despite warnings about pricey repairs all over the internet).

So far so good, except I pulled out of the driveway this morning to find the under-engine cover (from what I can tell this is called the belly pan?) dragging on the ground, and looks to be in pretty rough shape, so I removed it entirely.

From searching around the forum it sounds like the appropriate replacement would be a panzer plate, which is cheaper than what my mechanic quoted me for an OEM plate, so great. But for financial reasons I'd like to hold off for about a month. Would driving around in Southern California without a belly pan for a month put my car at risk if I can avoid bottoming out, or is this something that is essential to replace immediately?

Vegas-roadster

Panzer plate is the best replacement

ThomBoh

Thank you.

But is it okay for me to drive the car without a belly pan for one month? If I keep from bottoming out, is there any other major risk that should make me want to replace it immediately rather than waiting a month? I want to wait until my next paycheck if I can...

Mister Bally

Yes, no worries. Esp in Southern California. Even in the rain.

lyleswk

Had this same discussion over on the A4 forum. Protection from water is one item, but airflow and proper cooling is the other. Same on the TT? Some other opinion?

Vegas-roadster

.