Bought an eighth-inch steel skid plate off ebay a number of years ago for my 97 GLT wagon. Wasn't IPD's. Just bought another 97 turbo R wagon and am looking at Volvos spendy metal bar skid plate at $143. My question is this: Does the oil pan really need air cooling, judging from Volvo's grill-like skid plate, or would the solid sheet steel work as well at about half the price, as I recall? Can't even guess how much air flows over the oil pan with the solid sheet steel one in place and whether air flow along the bottom of the pan is critical under all driving conditions, especially with an R model. Have not had any problems with the solid steel one on the GLT so far, and it's been a life saver on several occasions because of poor judgement on my part. I'm a very conservative driver and won't be racing the latest acquisition.

Was never able to remember or find the manufacturer of the solid steel skid plate I bought off the net, though I came across the site once about a year ago. Advice and suggestions, please. Dick