Has anyone had to replace an Engine Undercover #1, Part #51441-50080?
I have a 2001 LS 430, and I believe my oil change folks loosened it enough for it to drag to the point that I had to take a small remnant off.
I called the local dealer (Grapevine, TX) for a quote of $326.54. I can get it online at Lexus Parts Now for less than $200.
Is this part critical?
Is this a good price online?

 

I don't know if I would call it "critical" per se, but it is important in keeping fluids and debris from the bottom of the engine (i.e. prevent corrosion and premature failure of the lower engine and engine mounted accessories), AND it aides in the vehicle's overall drag. So it could have a small impact on fuel economy to run without it.

 

I think it probably has the greatest effect on aerodynamic drag. The effect of this is more than just mpg. The engine will run a particular rpm at a particular vehicle speed. As the drag increases the engine has to work harder (produce more power) to maintain a constant speed. More work means more temperature and more stress. Increasing those areas means a decrease in reliability. How much? Don't know. It could be insignificant or a meaningful amount.

Just depends on how much trust you have in the Lexus engineering staff and whether you want to take a risk and do whatever you want to do.

If the car's pristine, I would keep it that way. If it's a beater, who cares. Just my opinion.

 

It's all for aerodynamics to keep the air flowing smoothly underneath the vehicle. The reason why the LS is so quiet is, Toyota engineers spent 400 hrs in the bullet train windtunnel (one of the quietest in the world) tuning the aerodynamics, including the pitch of the fins in the front grille, undercarriage, etc. The undercarriage aerodynamics is a closely guarded secret. Also note those plastic "fins" in front of the wheels. This reduces wind noise on the tires by directing airflow away from the treads. If you eliminate the pan, all you will suffer is more road noise and worse fuel economy.