Rear "modesty" muffler panel

[TMACK]

Question, please. While working on my 2009 Passion, I removed the decorative black plastic modesty panel (for want of a better term) to better access the engine.
It dawned on me: this is an aerodynamic drag that serves no function, other than looks.
Has anyone come up with an aftermarket grill that would allow for better airflow? Some kind of grill like in the front?

Smartmadness: are your engineers running to the drawing board?

[smart fortimo]

I wouldn't have thought that the rear valance would cause undue areodynamic drag, would it?

[Dunerunner]

Isn't that what produces the air flow through the engine compartment? The belly pan creates a relatively smooth pass for air flow under the car and I would think that without the rear valance, it would slip right out without scouring the engine compartment.

[Kermit]

You're talking about the rear skirt correct? One member did cut his out a little.

[TMACK]

Correct. Thanks for the terminology. Valence. I'd never have thought of that word.
Good point about the engine scoop aspect; in my defense, I HAD thought of that. But if that's so, it does create a drag. Miniscule, but drag nevertheless. And that flow would pass over the muffler/cat, and yes, there are vents at the top of the assembly, so that would be part of the design. Or is that just for passive cooling of the muffler/cat group?
On the other hand, this is a water cooled engine.

I don't know; just tossing it up for consideration.
I did return the valence post Forge install, by the way.

[Dustoff44]

I just noticed your post and question. The Panimex rear valance is supposed to reduce drag and allow more airflow through the engine compartment. The air exits the slots above the "bumper" and goes upward through the engine area. Having the opening in the valance it improves the airflow. To my surprise it reduced the Remus exhaust noise a noticiable amount. I guess the screen in the lower valance grill lets the noise out Too

[BARNEY O]

Originally Posted by Dustoff44

I just noticed your post and question. The Panimex rear valance is supposed to reduce drag and allow more airflow through the engine compartment. The air enters the slots above the "bumper" and goes downward through the engine area. Having the opening in the valance it improves the airflow. To my surprise it reduced the Remus exhaust noise a noticiable amount. I guess the screen in the lower valance grill lets the noise out Too

I believe Dune Runner is spot on. Air travels under chassis and up thru the slots.Not down the slots as you suggest. Letting air thru the valence will take away cooling air needed for engine compartment.

[ElementalDragon]

Yeah. I'm not sure it's so much of a means of cooling the engine directly as it is to just flood the hot ambient are out of the engine compartment. I honestly don't think it'd create really that much drag. At least no more than any other engine compartment would create in any other car. Dunno about you, but last time i checked, engine compartments aren't really aerodynamically designed.... usually more designed for convenience and cooling.

[Dustoff44]

You are correct while under way the engine compartment air flows up. However the engine itself is water cooled so air flow isn't that much of a factor until you stop. Sitting still the hot air rises. Bigger openings equal better cooling.

[BARNEY O]

Originally Posted by Dustoff44

You are correct while under way the engine compartment air flows up. However the engine itself is water cooled so air flow isn't that much of a factor until you stop. Sitting still the hot air rises. Bigger openings equal better cooling.

Unless you like a hot cabin or just want your air conditioner to work harder, air thru the engine compartment is a big factor. Even while moving.