Engine belly pan, got one?

[Blue hedgehog]

Well I didn't get any of the bolts from GM after all but from a local hardware store. I can tell you the two small screws are actually 6-32 bolts (not metric), I purchased 1" long stainless allan bolts and fender washers, but the bolts could be shorter.

The GM torx head screws are 6-32. Most people including myself don't bother installing those. I only use 4 on mine (no rattles).The two original bolts up front and two in the rear in the slotted holes. It makes for a much faster removal when doing an oil change without a jack or ramps. Loosen the rear bolts, remove the front bolts, remove the belly pan.

 

[rh96ss]

Just installed the belly pan on my 2013 Sonic RS.

Dealer parts department couldn't source part numbers for the hardware but gave me some 8x1.25x16 bolts.

My car did not have the clips on the splash shield that was on the car that the belly pan screws into with (I believe people are referencing the 6-32 bolts). I sourced some clips and screws that I had in my toolbox.

I used the two fronts on the car, two rears for the slots in the pan and the rear most on the driver's side.

See if there are any improvements.

 

[mdwitte]

I kept at it & eventually ordered 3 8mm bolts part #11609703 at $2.20 each from GMPartsDirect, they came in today but are black instead of the original silver.

 

[cndctrdj]

Has anyone done a long term review of the pan to see if it is worth it

 

[mdwitte]

There are a number of earlier posts stateing improvements in mileage & handling, it seem silly that adding a belly pan can improve handling, but I believe it has. My Sonic does seem to be more stable, especially when meeting oncoming trucks & semi's, it just seems like it's more glued to the road. I haven't noticed any mileage improvement yet, but my Sonic is already getting well over 40 (43-44) mpg of mostly county highway (55mph) driving.

 

[cndctrdj]

Installed mine last night. Drove home on the highway. Noticed the vehicle is more quiet at highway speed and seems to move along with less strain in 6th gear. Can't wait to test it more

 

[cndctrdj]

Been driving it a lot more. On the highway the car seems a lot different. Much better much more sure footed as wel as better gas mileage. I have seen a 3mpg increase with mixed driving mostly back roads some stop and go and some highway. This is a must have mod for all. As much as a tune a ported throttle body and the bypass mod

 

[sportyrider]

I finally ordered a bellypan and got installed. I have to say there was nothing to thread the 8mm bolts into. I ended up using the two existing front bolts, the two clips which I came up with, and plastic fender/flare retainers for the other three. Dorman 461410BP Ford/GM. My Sonic is a late 2013. They must have eventually deleted the welded inplace nuts. I also drilled about a 2 1/2 inch hole for the oil drain plug. So far the retainers seem to be holding well.

 

[sportyrider]

I've run a couple tanks of fuel through the Sonic since installing the bellypan. Driving pretty much the same route I usually do they averaged 2.3 more miles per gallon. I'm happy with that.

 

[SuperFudd]

Wow!
2.3!
Considering how much a car company must struggle for +2.3mpg, why would Chevy delete it rather than fix it?

 

[sportyrider]

It does seem like a big increase. I'm anxous to see if it holds. Why did they run the company into the ground rather that fix it?

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

This gives me an idea make an aluminum belly pan. it would weigh more than the plastic one they made but it could be painted to body match the car to prevent it from rusting out. Hell it could be designed to go the full length of the car and pair it with a rear diffuser to reduce total drag under the car. Plus it would help protect the exhaust and other key components under there from weathering and salt. The only issue i could see is heat getting trapped under the car from the exhaust system unless there is a way to make it ventilated.

 

[sportyrider]

i wouldn't cover the exhaust, that heat needs to go somewhere. but a body panel on either side of it maybe. I wondered about a diffuser too, and maybe a rear spoiler that could divert some air down the rear window.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

i wouldn't cover the exhaust, that heat needs to go somewhere. but a body panel on either side of it maybe. I wondered about a diffuser too, and maybe a rear spoiler that could divert some air down the rear window.

The belly pan can be designed to have vents vents where the exhaust is sitting to allow airflow. Though i do agree about heat being an issue. If you were to take the bottom of the car and make it smooth with nothing exposed with the rear diffuser you'd have no drag under the car. Would result in better mpg and less power needed to move the car through wind resistance. I could be completely wrong. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[CheapFuneral]

Til u hit a puddle it turns into a boat and u float across 3 lanes of traffic and hit a wall. Seen it.


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

 

[sportyrider]

Hydroplaning isn't caused by a belly pan.

 

[CheapFuneral]

Depends on how deep the water is. If you drive 55 into a 18" puddle it does.


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

 

[$ub$onic]

Depends on how deep the water is. If you drive 55 into a 18" puddle it does.


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

Ya your going to have other issues then if it has a belly pan or not..... Your gonna hydroplane either way if not worse.


Be a little more realistic.

 

[CheapFuneral]

Ya your going to have other issues then if it has a belly pan or not..... Your gonna hydroplane either way.


Be a little more realistic.

Where I live it's very realistic, I have done this in a heavy rain in my sonic. I about **** my pants and yeah u might hydro plain a bit but not like u would of you had something covering the whole bottom of your car.


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

 

[$ub$onic]

Does not matter, hydroplaning is hydroplaning.

Quite frankly if I hit a wall of water like that I would want something under my engine to keep a blast of water covering everything. Funny thing about electronics and water.