Tunnel Plate
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 157
From: Maine
Tunnel Plate
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.
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.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 621
Likes: 596
From: Ohio
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.
The best investment in my eyes would be some type of heat shielding on the tunnel plate instead of replacing it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
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.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 381
From: SC
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
How do you feel about the EE tunnel plate's impact on rigidity?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 157
From: Maine
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)
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)
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 381
From: SC
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.
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.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,431
Likes: 3,991
From: Cincinnati, OH
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/
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/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
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....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,431
Likes: 3,991
From: Cincinnati, OH
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.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 116
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 381
From: SC
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 68
Likes: 13
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/
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/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 4,360
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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)
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)
So, how did that work out?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 4,360
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I got 1 C6 plate here in the FS section for about $50. It’s armor compared to the stock beer can weight plate.