If you look at the front part of the Maxima from below,
it is amazing how open and unprotected the various
engine and transmission parts are. There is nothing to
protect them from damage from road debris, gravel, etc.
I've seen much cheaper cars that are much less vulnerable
to road debris.

Would it be a good idea to install some sort of shield
there? If cooling is an issue, it can be a perforated
metal sheet or even some sort of rigid metal "net".

 

Trade it in for a Pathfinder so you can take it offroading. Much better designed for the job you're looking at.

I've never had a transmission or oil pan damaged by gravel. Nor is a cheap leightweight metal sheild likely to offer much protection from whatever I'd run over that would be massive enough to cause damage (moose, tree stump) during an accident. And it would be the least of my worries if that was to occur.

CM

 

IMO it may be a waste of time.

Unless someone was in an accident, I have not seen or heard of any post from ANY gen max about underside damage as a result of exposure. On the flip side, you may actually be introducing something that may trap oil or debris. Good luck though, still your call...

 

the only thing you might gain by doing something like that, with some expensive lightweight carbon-fiber, would be increase the aerodynamics of the car. I remember a Lexus commercial for a year or two ago where they had advertised covering the entire underside of the car with something like this, decreasing resistance of airflow under the car. Dont really know how much difference that would make, but that's probably more what you'd be doing to the car instead of protecting the engine.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=448726

but like mentioned, I am trying to figure out what to do with trapped air, oil, etc.
the G35 has an underbody kit.

 

I thought about that too. A while back, I hit some road bebries that took out the transmission sensor and cut my bumper too. Since I'm lowered and only have about 3.5" clearance, anything I put there will lose the clearance by another 1/2 inch or so. That could attract more problems later.

 

I had a 04 350z prior to the 06 Maxima and the Z had the cover. The Z was lower to the ground, so I guess it was put on for that reason.

 

Both my '85 Maximas had a cover under the front end. But they were made of plastic, so were probably for aerodynamic purposes only.

 

Heehee... I went on a small road trip, recently, and went over some slightly ( and by "slightly," i mean "very" ) bumpy terrain to get to some hiking trails. I think as long as you just let the car roll and drive really slow, you won't kick up any crap, and you'll be fine.