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With these bolts removed, admire your oil leaks in all their glory. The new LRB panel will still leave access to the Koyo radiator's drain if a coolant change is required in the future.
Here you can easily see the gap between the plastic bumper panel and the radiator/AC condensor that allowed air to bypass the cooling assembly and hurt efficiency.
And here is the aluminum panel that fixes everything. Bolting in this simple design change forces all the air through the radiator, boosting the efficiency of the cooling system.
The two side panels for the undertray bolt up on either side of the bottom of the engine bay allowing the main panel to slide into place and be bolted to the bumper and subframe.
A side view shows how easily the side panels bolt into place and seals the radiator inlet from the wheel wells and engine bay.
With the side panels in place, bolting up the undertray is a snap. You can see how the tray ties the front bumper to the subframe and protects the radiator and AC condensor in the process.
Voila! The gap is gone and all air must do what I want it to do and pass through the radiator.
The sides are also well sealed. If any air can make it past in these tiny gaps, more power to it.There we have it, making the air bend to our will and cool our Miata more efficiently. In the future we’ll be looking at ways to improve downforce and reduce drag, but doing so in ways that are completely street worthy and appropriate for a car that sees far more weekend cruises than it does track days.
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