JCMDoug

In the next few weeks I am finally going to change the diff/gearing on my 2002 A4.
During the process the tunnel Plate comes off so should I upgrade to a stiffer tunnel plate, Per TPS Motorsports "eliminate many creaks and chassis flex due to the increase thickness and rigidity of our plate"

I don't race the car it's more of (while the plate is off put on a better one) or is this just a waste of money for a daily driver.

schmuckingham

I have heard people say that for Vert or Targas they can make a difference. You can also use one from a C6 that is a bit thicker.

The best investment in my eyes would be some type of heat shielding on the tunnel plate instead of replacing it.

JCMDoug

Yes heat shielding thanks for idea, I will most definitely add it.

MWWarlord

You can get an aftermarket tunnel plate that is both thicker, and has integrated heat shielding. This will maximize the effectiveness of the mod by lowering cabin temps while also making the car stiffer. I've heard the thicker plate really does make a difference when cornering, but if all you do is cruise, then you likely don't need it. The heat shielding would be good regardless though.

LowcountryVette

I may be in the minority but I have an elite engineering tunnel plate with heat shielding and I havent noticed a significant difference in cabin temps. I’ve seen kits for heat shielding the top and sides of the tunnel, that may provide a more noticeable result.

MWWarlord

How do you feel about the EE tunnel plate's impact on rigidity?

JCMDoug

I ordered the elite engineering heat shielding. I am going to used my craftsman digital infrared thermometer and do a before and after, to see how the temps are affected.
I will try to match driving conditions (outside temp and distance traveled). My 37 mile back road trip home after work should do, and say 5 days of data points. (this is where my wife rolls her eyes at me)

LowcountryVette

unfortunately I installed an AMT diff mount at the same time, so I cant say for sure how much of an impact just the plate has. I may go back to the stock diff mount at some point so I’ll try to remember to let you know then.
I will say the two together feel great, very noticeable effect on handling. But Im pretty sure most of that is from the diff mount. Ive got a pretty bad gear whine noise afterwards otherwise It would be my favorite mod yet.

smitty2919

You'll never notice any increased stiffness from a tunnel plate.

Adding heat shield will be you biggest measurable improvement. Look up the DEI tunnel kit to help as well.
https://www.designengineering.com/c5...-complete-kit/

jjc508520

ECS installed the insulated Elite plate while doing my headers - difference in cabin temp was noticeable. Later - when installing the rebuilt lower shift box - put some additional heat shielding down the sides and the helped even more....

smitty2919

I'd like to get back in my tunnel and go to town with insulation all round the TT and as far up the firewall I can.

-stew-

Do you have headers? My Commemorative Edition Z06 had headers and high flow catted x-pipe and tons of heat came from the tunnel. My Current Z06 has stock manifolds and cats and no noticeable heat from the tunnel. Both with the stock plate.

LowcountryVette

Yes, headers w/ no cats

milk4coffee

Thank you!

vette4fl

So, how did that work out?

grinder11

dom04abp

You can pick up a C6 tunnel plate for pretty cheap. Spending 200+ on a tunnel plate just seemed over the top, better investing in the heat shielding as many have mentioned for a daily driver.

JHrinsin

I picked up two (2) C6 factory plates (1/8" thick aluminum) for $79 and stacked them. Yes way cheaper than a 1/4" aftermarket unit and most likely just as effective.

vette4fl

I got 1 C6 plate here in the FS section for about $50. It’s armor compared to the stock beer can weight plate.