I may not be searching for the correct thing as I don't know what its called, but when I was doing a SS clutch line install I removed the splash guard behind the engine splash guard, one of the bolts were so rusted it broke. Its directly below the transmission.

I didn't think much of it, but as I was driving down the highway today I heard a slapping noise and realized it was that guard hitting the ground, so I removed it. Im worried about driving around without it on, I don't know if its there for a bigger purpose than the main splash guard or if there are components there that are more sensitive.

I could get up under it with a bolt extractor if necessary, I'm just wondering how important it is / how much frustration it is worth for it to be there since its directly under the transmission. Any help is appreciated.

 

Never fails, as soon as I posted this I found the name and also what I was looking for. Its called the bell housing under tray. Seems like its nothing crazy to worry about, similar to engine undercarriage.

Link: https://www.myg37.com/forums/g37-sed...-guidance.html

 

Basically just keeps debris from being flung up into critical components. Personally I always leave those things on since I drive on the highway a lot and you never know what kind of crap you might hit.

 

They do more than just keep debris out of the engine bay, under body panels have a huge effect on aerodynamics as well as air flow in the engine bay. It's best to keep all that stuff in place. I've had to drill and tap a few under body panel bolts over the years, kinda frustrating, but not a big deal.

 

something like this should fix and secure it

 

It's not like we're going 150 MPH in our G35's.... it's really not going to do crap for that. The G was advertised as having zero lift when it was originally marketed, because they put a bunch of underbody diffusers (as they called them) on the car to help keep air out of certain areas. Those diffusers are primarily made of weak plastic and other fibrous materials. The one being pointed out in this thread is designed to serve more of a protective role than air management.

You should leave it there, but just use whatever means necessary to secure it in place. Use a Zip tie or bend a piece of a coat hanger around it if necessary. An insulated wire would also work well because it will keep the rust off of the metal in the wire and make it a more permanent fix.