I was forced to go over a rumble strips which is designed to ensure motorcycle don't use the road and no that plastic splash guard or belly pan is toast due to being dragged. Just want to make sure I didn't need it...

 

You probaly don't. I believe it's just to protect any road debris from flying up into your engine compartment. If you had to get a new one they're not cheap. But then again, what is for this car! [&:]

 

Yes...you do need it. You'll notice that the engine will heat up at highway speeds because that "splash guard" is actually an aerodynamic diverter for air. Instead of allowing the air to distort under the car, it'll cause the air to flow smoothly to the engine and help keep it cool where the radiator and waterpump can't keep it as cool.

 

Are you sure? In my experience, these "belly pans" just help aerodynamics/MPH and discourage DIYer to change their own fluids forcing them into a Jag dealer. As far as overheating is concerned, the ultimate test is in stop and go traffic, with the AC on high...Obviously no air (unless it's really windy) flows. Virtually all modern cars are liquid cooled as liquid is better hot/cold conductor than air. I see more of a cooling affect is the cover off than on. But who knows, maybe your right, maybe we need it for a whole different reason.