Oy-vey! My 16 year old has her license and I wanted her wrapped safely in a a big solid car known for the way it protects its passengers. Therefore, when I had the chance to get a '97 960 replete with new timing belt, S-belt, tie rod ends and brakes for $1700, I jumped at it.

I noticed that this car is missing a skid plate. Apparently there are also several air guides and such that are also missing. I found the skid plate at FCP, but I cannot locate the air guides. Another forum post led me to a diagram that showed several different air guides, suggesting that #6 was imperative for protection and proper operation. What about the others? If I get all of the air guides, I'm looking at well over $200, which I'd rather avoid.

I've checked junkyards around me here in Columbia, SC, but none of them have 960's (rarity? incredible safety and reliability?).

I'm sure I'll have many other questions for you folks, but for now, the skid plate/air guides are the main priority.

Thanks so much.

az in SC

 

I probably would not worry about it. I've seen some missing and some installed.

 

I'm especially concerned about the skid plate with that oil filter hanging down so low...and the fact that the car is old and the driver so new. There are bound to be intersections that she takes to fast.

Does the skid plate need to be removed to change the oil filter? The positioning of the filter is very convenient for oil changes. To need to remove the skid plate each time would certainly make it less convenient.

 

The oil filter is between the wheels, so, if she does something to damage that oil filter, your going to have a lot more to worry about than the filter.

On another note, that is NOT a skid plate, it's a splash guard. Not much more than a plastic water shield. Sure it blocks rocks and stuff like that from knicking things under there but will not protect the bottom from damaged caused by running off the road or anything.

Other than that, yes the splash guard does need to come off every time the oil filter is changed.

 

Some also call it engine belly pan. It cost $ 25. Believe it or not some people even report better mpg with it installed.

The other important, largest and most complicated air-guide is in front of the lower half of condenser outward. It cost about $ 20. There may be 2 or 3 other air guides, which probably cost another $ 15-20 total. That is if there all missing in your car, unlikely.

 

I've only peeked at it from under the bumper. So far, I haven't gotten under the car to really get a good look at what's down there. I need to get under there and see what I see.

I'm certain the skid plate/splash guard/belly pan is missing.

How important is the condenser air guide? It is starting to get cooler here and we may not need the ac for a while. My daughter even says she is happy without ac. We'll see what she says next July.

 

It's probably more important as protection of Condenser's lower half against road debris, rocks, etc. Salt in the winter is another reason if you are in the snow belt.

In fact OEM Condenser is known to be faulty where steel clamps attach to aluminum fins. These steel clamps rust and bust the fins. Especially the bottom ones.

 

No, they are in SC. I have a lot of family there and it's not even cold in Jan. She'll change her mind about AC late May. LOL