Thanks!
Thanks!
the skid plates off of a trooper will bolt right on to the frame of the VX. They wont offer you complete protection from everything, but they are a quick way to see what else you need to protect.
Also, I put much faith in the stock trooper skid plates. Unlike skids from other manufacturers, the ones off the trooper are actually reliable to protect the bits they are supposed to protect.
2000 Black VX 105k
Great advice, thanks!
I was looking into this and heat was also a factor... you need to make sure the engine can cool itself normally with a huge plate over the bottom...
Just a thought
well considering heat travels up, I don't think you're going to trap much of it with under body protection. I'm no thermodynamist so I could be wrong.
A full skidplate definatley makes a difference on engine cooling, yes, heat travels up but while it goes up, cool air comes in to replace it. The VX's engine compartment is very tight and with the flexible mud flaps that are in the upper inside wheel well there is not much getting in anyway. I only put my skidplate on when I'm off roading as it increases the engine temp a bit. Plus the weight.
When I've off roaded without it, the temp never goes above the halfway mark, when I'm doing slow and go or off roading with my plate, the temp will get to 3/4 or above and the A/C compressor will cycle on and off.
It wouldn't be a big deal if a constant 30-40mph could be had but, I doubt that can be achieved. So, I would think a good plate with good ventilation would be in order.
Scott / moncha.com