Car is not lowered, 6spd MT.

 

covers are meant to protect things that are hot from splashing water, or from road debris
May also direct airflow a certain direction to bring air in or out
If its not dragging leave it alone

 

Take it off. I have EVERY panel removed, including cowling.

The panels trap engine heat inside the engine compartment. Thus, effectively creating an oven for your engine to sit inside. The high underhood temps KILLS power.

 

isnt he talking about a shield for the trans?

I agree on power robbing heat removal, and suggest using thermo spacers on the intake and tb to help

 

If the shield is just over the transmission you may be able to remove it. But if its under the motor and near the front bumper that is probaly your splash shield to keep water from getting in your intake, I would suggest leaving that.

 

this is the tranny cover under the car that you need to removed to get to the drain bolt on the manual tranny.