skid plate?

[ihavefingers]

Im thinking about getting a skid plate for my m3, im pretty low and every time i look at the front end at ground level and see how low the oil pan is im amazed i dont hit it on anything.

i looked at the race skids one, seems alright but i dont like how it mounts to the radiator support and for its size 10lbs seems like a bit to be throwing on the very front of the car, the other option ive seen is the hik fabrication one that weighs around 20 i believe. and then theres the factory BMW one. thats all i know of. any other options? or any advice between those three?

[markseven]

10lbs at the lowest possible point is acceptable, given the functional benefit.

[ihavefingers]

10lbs at the lowest possible point is acceptable, given the functional benefit.

yeah 10 lbs really doesnt sound that bad. its the fact that its hanging way out in front of the car that i dont like, i may not even notice it, who knows, but the light tossable front end is something i dont want to hurt. i ordered one, ill see what i think but im thinking i might use it as a reference and make my own out of aluminum or some kind of composite/plastic.

i dont need some offroad worthy tank like skid to take giant hits. just something to reflect debris and absorb impact if and when the oil pan might bottom on something. getting rid of that 90 degree edge on the oil pan, and having something cover that, so you skim rather than smack the corner, seems like it would do quite a bit.

i think ideally you would have something like the severe duty skid plate, that isnt mounted to the flimsy radiator mount, but with a smaller diameter/lighter tubing, or a different material, and have enough give in the form of bushings at the mounting points so the impact energy isnt going directly into the frame/steering rack.

im blabbering now, ill just see how i like my new skid before i try anything else.

[4DAFUN]

I had a skidplate added to my E30 M3, after having a new 2.5L S14 added. Now, damn it, I can't remember the Vendor, but I think it was E30 Werks.com. Fit like a glove.

[4DAFUN]

Ah... I found it. It's at E30 Motor Werks. Here's the link. Go to: http://e30motorwerks.com/index/servi...19-skid-plates. It's one hell of a tough skid plate, and it allows for oil drainage while in place. I would very highly recommend it. It does require some welding to the front radiator cross member, of its front mounting "U" bracket, and pulling the bumper to do it may be necessary.

[Thizzelle]

Also misses sub frame which is good

[ejnight]

I have on its about 12lb but very strong. www.raceskids.com e30/s14 no welding

[JGee]

Ah... I found it. It's at E30 Motor Werks. Here's the link. Go to: http://e30motorwerks.com/index/servi...19-skid-plates. It's one hell of a tough skid plate, and it allows for oil drainage while in place. I would very highly recommend it. It does require some welding to the front radiator cross member, of its front mounting "U" bracket, and pulling the bumper to do it may be necessary.

Thanks for the recommendation 4DAFun. ;)
The "U" brackets' or "hoop" bars' mounting plates are welded directly to the frame rails. The "hoop" bar and skidplate are bolted on. The radiator support is not utilized for this skid plate installation and there is no need to mess with the bumper at all.
If you did the prep and install yourself. It would take your muffler guy 10 min. to do the job. http://HIKFabrication.com

JH