The large black plastic under engine cover has always been a PITA to me especially when serviciing (oil/filter change)..
I have'nt seen an American made vehicle with this, (possible the newer ones) and wondering is it absolutely necessary to cover this area...I understand the protection it affords, but is all the trouble worth the effort..??
Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions, I'd appreciate...Thank You
PS: Do all European Cars have this..??

Both of mine have this, also my 1996 Impala SS has it. My old suburban had it and my really old jeep grand cherokee had it. I understand the 4 wheelers, couldn't understand the SS until I removed it and found out the front end got reeeeaalllly light when I went reeeaaallly fast. Not fun. It has a purpose and it is needed even if it is a pita. just think of it as your appendix, do we need it, who knows just leave it alone and hope all is well.

:) Appreciate your reply and do understand the necessity as far as off roading.,,
lots of dirt/gravel travel and of course speeds in excess of the posted., i.e., here in Az., interstates are 75mph...
I would think one needs to reach a extremely high speed to effect stability., say towards the 100 mph mark....(Not that I've done that, yea, sure)....

Think the next oil change, may leave it off and give it a try., then again might take your advice leave it alone....
Again, appreciate your reply....

It is not the real high speed that you have to worry about, because of the way air travels, it will just suck itself up under the front and collect under the hood. On my SS it popped open the hood. Ever see that happen? Hope you don't. I think I finally got the skid marks off the leather. :) Seriously, if you watch F1 or Nascar, watch those front wings. Or the rally cars. The fronts will just come up. there was a Mercedes that fipped over, like 360 *, and landed on its tires during a race. That car was completely smashed from the landing. That is a little extreme, but just pointing out the exteme nature of these things. Just a little more than two cents worth.