OK to drive with Aluminum plate removed.
 

2001 Boxster S auto. I want to clean the undercarriage and have the alum plate under the transmission removed. It is really dirty/oily.

But I now want to move it from the garage to the street to power wash the underside. If I put the side braces back on and bolt everything together EXCEPT the alum plate is it safe to drive 20 or 30 feet to the street. It seems like it would.

Thanks.

20 or 30 feet? Maybe, but I'd be worried about getting it back on afterward.

I'd say no, don't do it. Don't even put weight on the wheels with that removed.

Now that you have the correct answer... I have done it with parts cars. Nothing broke and I did not die. It will cause the rear suspension to shift. You will have trouble getting the plate back on (use a ratchet strap and/or pry bars) and the alignment will need to be checked when it is all back together. Straight and level. Short distance. Slow.

Best answer, still no.

Plate going back on. Not worth the risk of damage/trouble. Just going to have to work extra hard on engine cleaning where it currently sits.

Thanks everyone!

My X5 actually has a warning printed on it not to move with it removed.