wind flaps under the car near engine ...
 

anyone knows if these are important? they seem to be directing air flow into the engine compartment ... i guess for better cooling ...

my flaps have fallen off with age (the side ripped and the fastener that holds the middle in place broke.

is it important enough that i need to buy a replacement?

thanks ahead.

Yes they are important - without these, there is not enough cool air redirected for cooling the engine bay.
They call them a spoiler in the parts catalog
Up to 2000 Part # 986 331 361 02
after 2000 Part # 986 331 361 03

Lost one last month to a piece of road debris. Just ordered a new one from our host, listed as an "axle joint air guide" , fairly inexpensive at $16.75 with the fasteners.

I've seen nice ones made from aluminum but they might be easy to scrape off. just fold them up and pop rivet them on.

+1; cools temps in engine bay/transmission.

They wouldn't be there if they weren't important.

"I wouln't give Porsche, or any other manufacturer quite that much credit. What about emblems?

Suncoast sells them as a kit of two with fasteners, I used it to replace mine (well to replace the raggedy remnants of the one that was there). I'm not sure if the price was competitive but I think it was. It was certainly convenient. :)

thanks guys!

Is there a picture of these so I know I am ordering the right one? Mine came off too...online people call them squirrel scoops...so naturally I didnt go to my local dealer and ask for them

Underbody Air Scoop Replacement Kit

Underbody Air Scoop Replacement Kit:Suncoast Porsche Parts & Accessories

Convenient?
Absolutely, and really easy to replace. Fasteners were included when I bought mine.

Squirrel scoops eh? That's funny.