| Jag32 | 06-17-2006 01:20 AM |
Which of these 3 skid plates is the best for rally style driving?
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I'm looking for a skid plate and have found three and was wondering which is the best? I do plan to do some spirited driving on dirt roads, so i'm not just looking for some bling, I want the skid plate which will be the most functional.
Suby Solutions: [url]http://ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=1672&NodeID=5262&RootID=1414[/url]
Beatrush: [url]http://www.kamispeed.com/product_info.php?products_id=46&SesId=26d3d9272049c34f648e35f9409dd7a6[/url]
Rally Armor: [url]http://rallyarmor.com/rally_skidplates/wrx_sti_skidplates.html[/url]
[list][*]The RallyArmor skid plate is the thickest of the three at 3/16" whereas the Beatrush and Suby Solutions skid plates are both 1/8".[*]Both the Beatrush and SS skid plates have certain areas cut out so you can easily access all the necessary service points without having to remove the skid plate like you do on the RallyArmor one. However, RallyArmor claims that their skid plates are solid without any service access points to ensure the maximum amount of rigidity and strength. [*]The Beatrush skid plate has specially angled vents in it which they claim draws heat out of the engine bay and helps cool the engine.[/list]
Pictures of all 3:
BEATRUSH:
[img]http://www.kamispeed.com/images/S560160b.jpg[/img]
SUBY SOLUTIONS (the bottom one, ignore the top one):
[img]http://ipdusa.com/Images/categories/Subaru/skidplatessubaru.jpg[/img]
RALLY ARMOR:
[img]http://rallyarmor.com/images/products/skidplates/wrx_sti_front.jpg[/img]
So I don't know which one to choose and was hoping you guys could help me with my decision.
Suby Solutions: [url]http://ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=1672&NodeID=5262&RootID=1414[/url]
Beatrush: [url]http://www.kamispeed.com/product_info.php?products_id=46&SesId=26d3d9272049c34f648e35f9409dd7a6[/url]
Rally Armor: [url]http://rallyarmor.com/rally_skidplates/wrx_sti_skidplates.html[/url]
[list][*]The RallyArmor skid plate is the thickest of the three at 3/16" whereas the Beatrush and Suby Solutions skid plates are both 1/8".[*]Both the Beatrush and SS skid plates have certain areas cut out so you can easily access all the necessary service points without having to remove the skid plate like you do on the RallyArmor one. However, RallyArmor claims that their skid plates are solid without any service access points to ensure the maximum amount of rigidity and strength. [*]The Beatrush skid plate has specially angled vents in it which they claim draws heat out of the engine bay and helps cool the engine.[/list]
Pictures of all 3:
BEATRUSH:
[img]http://www.kamispeed.com/images/S560160b.jpg[/img]
SUBY SOLUTIONS (the bottom one, ignore the top one):
[img]http://ipdusa.com/Images/categories/Subaru/skidplatessubaru.jpg[/img]
RALLY ARMOR:
[img]http://rallyarmor.com/images/products/skidplates/wrx_sti_front.jpg[/img]
So I don't know which one to choose and was hoping you guys could help me with my decision.
| SparkysJDMSpeedWagon | 06-17-2006 01:24 AM |
I'll be the first to rag on you for thinking that 1/8" is thicker than 3/16". 1/8"=2/16"<3/16". I've had the rallyarmor skidplate on my car for about 2yrs. Definately weighs a ton (I would guess 35lbs or so), and although I haven't actually participated in a rally, Alaskan roads afford some "spirited" dirt/gravel roads in the summer, and don't forget the 5-6 month winters.
| Jag32 | 06-17-2006 01:33 AM |
[QUOTE=SparkysJDMSpeedWagon]I'll be the first to rag on you for thinking that 1/8" is thicker than 3/16". 1/8"=2/16"<3/16". I've had the rallyarmor skidplate on my car for about 2yrs. Definately weighs a ton (I would guess 35lbs or so), and although I haven't actually participated in a rally, Alaskan roads afford some "spirited" dirt/gravel roads in the summer, and don't forget the 5-6 month winters.[/QUOTE]
Whoops :o. Apparently I don't function too well at 1:30AM :lol:. I rectified the post.
How do you find the ease of maintenance with the RA skid plate, since there are no access holes like in the other two?
Whoops :o. Apparently I don't function too well at 1:30AM :lol:. I rectified the post.
How do you find the ease of maintenance with the RA skid plate, since there are no access holes like in the other two?
| littlewhitewagon | 06-17-2006 01:35 AM |
^^^ the back roads of elmendorf and ft rich are really fun... i used to catch air on ft rich on the roads by the dump grounds and go slding around the roads by the lake.
| semaj | 06-17-2006 01:37 AM |
Holy double-post Batman!
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1027593[/url]
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1027593[/url]
| jamest | 06-17-2006 01:41 AM |
Considered having someone make one for you? Stamp out some sheet metal from a template of your underbody. The ones you listed cover the oil pan which is good, but you could also have it extend more under the tranny.
I wouldn't worry about thickness, of the three they all appear to cover the same area.
I wouldn't worry about thickness, of the three they all appear to cover the same area.
| GlobalWaste | 06-17-2006 01:42 AM |
I like the rallyarmor one... reasonable price, and the thickest of the bunch..
I know the others have holes and such for say.. changing the oil, but I don't see any easy way of getting the oil filters out with them since IIRC the filter is closer to the front bumper then the drain plug. So, you'd have to take the plate off regardless...
and regarding the heat vents, wouldn't you want to get rid of those vents? Everyone is always worried about wrapping the headers and such to retain the heat anyway :lol: ;)
EDIT: are you sure that beatrush one is 1/8"? For some reason I seem to remember it being something like 2mm thick which is less then 1/8"...
I know the others have holes and such for say.. changing the oil, but I don't see any easy way of getting the oil filters out with them since IIRC the filter is closer to the front bumper then the drain plug. So, you'd have to take the plate off regardless...
and regarding the heat vents, wouldn't you want to get rid of those vents? Everyone is always worried about wrapping the headers and such to retain the heat anyway :lol: ;)
EDIT: are you sure that beatrush one is 1/8"? For some reason I seem to remember it being something like 2mm thick which is less then 1/8"...
| shemoves | 06-17-2006 01:46 AM |
From the standpoint of strictly 'rally style driving' definitely the rally armor cause it is the thickest. However, although the stock tray does not have vents, the addition of them may be benificial. As far as "access holes" is concerned...tell me how, even with that hole, you are gonna get an oil filter off...not gonna happen.
The beatrush is cool because it seems to have an opening so you can jack up the car w/o taking off the cover.
If you really are gonna be doing some serious rally-type stuff...get the Rally Armor. Trust me, from experience, that you do not wanna puncture your oil pan in the middle of nowhere (Fortunetely the hole I had was small and I had extra oil).
Also, that "SSi" sticker makes it look like a cheap knock-off
The beatrush is cool because it seems to have an opening so you can jack up the car w/o taking off the cover.
If you really are gonna be doing some serious rally-type stuff...get the Rally Armor. Trust me, from experience, that you do not wanna puncture your oil pan in the middle of nowhere (Fortunetely the hole I had was small and I had extra oil).
Also, that "SSi" sticker makes it look like a cheap knock-off
| burnera | 06-17-2006 02:18 AM |
rallyarmor = ultimate.
its unlikely but possible to catch the edges of cut-outs with pointy rocks, tree branches, and debris in general.
its unlikely but possible to catch the edges of cut-outs with pointy rocks, tree branches, and debris in general.
| fliz | 06-17-2006 11:46 AM |
I've got the rallyarmor, but in 1/8". I don't beat on the WRX too much, I just got to protect against the occasional snow bank while ice racing.
It's pretty easy to take on and off for oil changes, especially if you have an air ratchet. ;)
You can also jack up the car w/ it on, no issues. The two rear bolts show you right where the jack plate is, so you don't risk bending up the skid plate.
The only thing I don't like about it, from a "rally" plate perspective is that the front doesn't extend up far enough. I've seen 1/4" plates get bent in half when the front of the car dives into the dirt for one reason or another.
It's pretty easy to take on and off for oil changes, especially if you have an air ratchet. ;)
You can also jack up the car w/ it on, no issues. The two rear bolts show you right where the jack plate is, so you don't risk bending up the skid plate.
The only thing I don't like about it, from a "rally" plate perspective is that the front doesn't extend up far enough. I've seen 1/4" plates get bent in half when the front of the car dives into the dirt for one reason or another.
| outback2.5HO | 06-17-2006 01:27 PM |
If you get off of the road and impact anything going more than 20mph, all of those will most likely rip off of the car.. :eek:
Unless you build some sort of subframe under the car for the plate to mount to, there isn't much strength with 4-12 mm bolts mounted in the stock tapped holes in the core support and bolted to the tranny jack location..
I've ripped plates similar to that off of my rally car before.. The core support also gets rather munged up when the tapped holes rip out. Also makes it hard to re install the plate with those missing.. ;)
Strength is more important than weight when it keeps your car going.. :)
Unless you build some sort of subframe under the car for the plate to mount to, there isn't much strength with 4-12 mm bolts mounted in the stock tapped holes in the core support and bolted to the tranny jack location..
I've ripped plates similar to that off of my rally car before.. The core support also gets rather munged up when the tapped holes rip out. Also makes it hard to re install the plate with those missing.. ;)
Strength is more important than weight when it keeps your car going.. :)
| Jag32 | 06-17-2006 01:49 PM |
[QUOTE=outback2.5HO]If you get off of the road and impact anything going more than 20mph, all of those will most likely rip off of the car.. :eek:
Unless you build some sort of subframe under the car for the plate to mount to, there isn't much strength with 4-12 mm bolts mounted in the stock tapped holes in the core support and bolted to the tranny jack location..
I've ripped plates similar to that off of my rally car before.. The core support also gets rather munged up when the tapped holes rip out. Also makes it hard to re install the plate with those missing.. ;)
Strength is more important than weight when it keeps your car going.. :)[/QUOTE]
So which one would you recommend then?
Thanks
Unless you build some sort of subframe under the car for the plate to mount to, there isn't much strength with 4-12 mm bolts mounted in the stock tapped holes in the core support and bolted to the tranny jack location..
I've ripped plates similar to that off of my rally car before.. The core support also gets rather munged up when the tapped holes rip out. Also makes it hard to re install the plate with those missing.. ;)
Strength is more important than weight when it keeps your car going.. :)[/QUOTE]
So which one would you recommend then?
Thanks
| Dave_Clark | 06-17-2006 03:14 PM |
Trust me when I say none of these would hold up on a real rally car. They are all bling. None of them are mounted well. Anything with holes in it you can disregard immediately. What's the point of a skidplate if you leave a big hole in it for a rock to knock off the drain plug? What's the point of leaving a hole to drain the oil if you still have to remove the skidplate to access the oil filter? Those stamped in louvers on the Beatrush plate would get mashed flat in the first stage on a rally car. The RA plate at least has some hope since it has no useless holes but if it's 1/8th inch it's also uselessly thin. 3/16th is the absolute minimum thickness that will do any good. I make most of my skidplates out of quarter inch thick 6061-T6 aluminum.
The skidplates pictured above are good for street cars that want to drive on gravel roads occaisionally or rallycross. If you want a serious rally car skidplate you have to have something made. Talk to a rally preparation shop.
The skidplates pictured above are good for street cars that want to drive on gravel roads occaisionally or rallycross. If you want a serious rally car skidplate you have to have something made. Talk to a rally preparation shop.
| yaggi | 06-17-2006 03:35 PM |
Does anyone think there is any aerodynamic benefit seen with these skidplates?...the Beatrush looks like it would give the best airflow...kinda like the Cusco one.
| outback2.5HO | 06-17-2006 03:58 PM |
[QUOTE=Dave_Clark]
The skidplates pictured above are good for street cars that want to drive on gravel roads occaisionally or rallycross. If you want a serious rally car skidplate you have to have something made. Talk to a rally preparation shop.[/QUOTE]
Very well put Dave.. ;) We build them, but they run a bit more than the others..
The skidplates pictured above are good for street cars that want to drive on gravel roads occaisionally or rallycross. If you want a serious rally car skidplate you have to have something made. Talk to a rally preparation shop.[/QUOTE]
Very well put Dave.. ;) We build them, but they run a bit more than the others..
| BIGSKYWRX | 06-17-2006 04:52 PM |
Paul builds a variety of skid plates, including fancy carbon/kevlar ones
[url]http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/skid.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/skid.htm[/url]
| Jtree | 06-17-2006 05:21 PM |
[QUOTE=BIGSKYWRX]Paul builds a variety of skid plates, including fancy carbon/kevlar ones
[url]http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/skid.htm[/url][/QUOTE]
Paul is a good guy to buy from.
[url]http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/skid.htm[/url][/QUOTE]
Paul is a good guy to buy from.
| davis10 | 06-17-2006 07:43 PM |
ya you forgot primitive
| airprakken | 06-17-2006 08:40 PM |
[QUOTE=Jtree]Paul is a good guy to buy from.[/QUOTE]
I like Paul as well = [url]http://www.get-primitive.com/[/url]
He has actually done this stuff and sells what he thinks works.
I like Paul as well = [url]http://www.get-primitive.com/[/url]
He has actually done this stuff and sells what he thinks works.
| bhamwrxman | 06-17-2006 10:12 PM |
I cut out my own. Even had a lip welded onto it to knock down the stuff that gets humped up in the middle of the road to keep it from crashing through the radiator/condenser. I'll try to remember to post some pics sometime. Cost me about 190$ to have it cut and fabbed.
| thechickencow | 06-17-2006 10:56 PM |
The primitive one is what I run for gravel/rallyx/ice racing/etc. Finding one of them cheap used may be a good option.
| Prod | 06-18-2006 12:16 AM |
Unless you plan on changing the oil in a race, I'd go for the RA because it's just a solid sheet, not to mention it's thicker.
| LyveWRX | 06-18-2006 04:08 AM |
From what I've heard, experienced, (and chatted with other ralliest's about) here's the "dirt" on skid plates.
1) for full on stage rally you will need to have a skid plate strong enough to jack your car up on.
2) I've run the POR twice, and until my co-driver/navvie moved away ran all the brisk gravel TSD-Rallys in MI.
I use a custom .030" thick 304ss skid plate that has been strategically reinforced. I've run down 8" tall berms of sand and gravel, taken out 4" pine bushes, and havent had a ding on the sump. but could NEVER run this plate on any real stage rally.
For Rally-X and Brisk Gravel TSD just about any one will work, as always thicker is definately stronger.
After that I'd say either Paul at primitive or Pat at rocket would be the best place to buy one from.
1) for full on stage rally you will need to have a skid plate strong enough to jack your car up on.
2) I've run the POR twice, and until my co-driver/navvie moved away ran all the brisk gravel TSD-Rallys in MI.
I use a custom .030" thick 304ss skid plate that has been strategically reinforced. I've run down 8" tall berms of sand and gravel, taken out 4" pine bushes, and havent had a ding on the sump. but could NEVER run this plate on any real stage rally.
For Rally-X and Brisk Gravel TSD just about any one will work, as always thicker is definately stronger.
After that I'd say either Paul at primitive or Pat at rocket would be the best place to buy one from.
| 93L-RS | 06-18-2006 09:13 AM |
+1 on the Primitive plates. I've got those on my rally-x car. It's saved my motor countless number of times. I got it on the advice of Last Ditch Racing from Maine. They have been campaigning 2 cars for several years now, and they both run the primitive plates. The way they beat up those cars, the skid plates have done an admirable job. While you're at it, what about a rear diff plate? Primitive makes those aas well.....
BTW, get the 3/16" plates
BTW, get the 3/16" plates
| REDrum | 06-18-2006 08:55 PM |
Eleventygazillion for Primitive; Paul is great.
| rey_vibora | 06-18-2006 10:59 PM |
I like the Beatrush underpanel, since its light enough for street use and strong enough for light rallycross and road racing. Unlike the other panels, the Beatrush covers all the way up to the end of front bumper to protect the bottom side of the radiator and fr. mount intercooler (if you have any). Moreover, you can easily jack the car up when needed without the need to remove the panel. As far as fear of it been ripped off, it has multiple brackets that hold the panel in the front, mid, and rear section. Plus you can use it with this Beatrush super light subframe for added stiffness:
[img]http://www.kamispeed.com/images/s86016pbsfgb.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kamispeed.com/images/s86016pbsfgb.jpg[/img]
| jlumba | 06-18-2006 11:16 PM |
I personally use the SSI skid plate. You don't need to take off the plate to get to the oil filter. The SSI is cut into the plate isn't not a sticker. The only problems I've had w/ it is that when I put my ALK on I need new spacers for the two rear center bolts. I haven't tried jacking up my car on the plate. Haven't really rallied my car so not sure how well it would work on that. But there's ample room between the plate and the oil pan. Also it worked well when going 90+ mph hitting a bump and scraped the plate.
| Subie Gal | 06-19-2006 09:12 AM |
same poll in 2 different forums?
crossposting is a no no.
dont do it.
killing this one.
for reference please see the other thread here:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1027593[/url]
crossposting is a no no.
dont do it.
killing this one.
for reference please see the other thread here:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1027593[/url]
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