nickhance

I went over to a friend's house to show off my newly mounted euro plate ( DAS 951 ) and we got to talking about the vented nose panel you see on some of the more modified 951's.

After a bit of discussion, we came to the idea of a hinged panel in place of the vents that will hinge when needed. (Either manually, or hooked to some type of sensor that will activate when needed.) Done correctly, this could look like a factory option to the car, and by having the panel swing upwards (outward from the car), it would help force even more air in over the intercooler.

I know I probably won't need the vented nose panel until I really start making some heavy modifications to the car, but as the engine gets so hot as it is, any extra air can help.

What do you guys think of this idea?

Robby

Might work- not sure about it swinging outward though- not sure how you would do it. But, I like the way SOME of the cut nose panels look, but I prefer the stock look to most of them- don't get me wrong, I don't really hate any of them, but just think they could look better. I like the idea of cutting a REALLY small, thin hole that matches the hole where the towing eye is- maybe the same ovaled shape, but a hair shorter and hair narrower maybe(?), or, I also like the look of the factory racer- the squared off ones- they're off to one side (the driver side) so they look like they really serve a purpose. Anyway, I know just what you mean about the heat- I like the idea of anything that will help get air under the hood a little more to help cool it off- I've seen some that were like the racers that had 4 or 5 small square holes cut out- square, but w/slightly rounded edges- I'm just not sure how I would really want it- maybe need to see a few in person. But, if you design something like what you're taslking asbout, I assume it would look perfectly stock except for when it's needed(?)- let me know- I may be interested...

tazman

I would say the hardest part about it being hinged out is you have to watch it won't fold up onto the car at high speed. Picturing what you are saying I don't think it would look very good in the open position. You might want to consider making it swing inward. Good Luck

Thaddeus

I put a 924S nose panel on my 951. I like the way it looks... nearly stock, all-Porsche parts (except for the bondo).



To make it work, you also need 924 headlight covers and the plastic shroud from a 924 that surrounds the headlight.

There's a whole big thread on here somewhere about the travails of doing it. It's kind of labor intensive... I got all the parts from PartsHeaven.
cheers

Thaddeus

ArcticCzar

About a week ago I found a company that will cut your existing panel to look like the 931. No hunting down the part, no painting. Unfortunately I can't remember their name. Does anyone know a place that does this? I'll keep looking, and if I find it, I'll post their site.

CPTdooberhead

<a href="http://www.speedforceracing.com" target="_blank">www.speedforceracing.com</a> They cut em for ya. Cheaper than buying one too. Gonna have mine done sooner or later

kelsean

thats the ticket -i wonder if that will require a repaint or not? If not, then this is a bargain!

Olli Snellman

Hey you guys who can do photoshop (Shaun) would like to see a modified pic of Thaddeus' 951 with only two vents (delete those two outer vents)

Olli
'88 951

Robby

Yeah, something like what Thaddeus has is what I like- also, the idea of Ollie's- removing the two outer ones- Also, maye something like a combination, only a little thinner- I'm just not 100% sure I like the really open look- anyway, I also didn't think about the hinge swinging open and possibly flying off- I've heard of some of these vented nose panels doing that themselves- not sure how or why though, but it is a concern...

ELLSSUU

I personally like this style. Ofcourse I better as it's mine. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Robby

ELLSSUU- Those are REALLY nice looking edges- I like the way you rounded them out- it's the squared off edges that I don't like as much- I think I would like it best to have it just like your's only one centered one, and no wider than the two holes underneath (where the tow eye is, etc) and MAYBE a little thinner, but I'm not sure-I'd have to see it on the car to say anything for sure- did you do that yourself? I wish I could cut like that- I'd do mine tomorrow... Do you have any pics of it installed?

ELLSSUU

This isn't my car it's 951and944s's car but it has the same vents as my car will have. I'll see if I have any other shots of these vents to post.

The primered panel up in the other post is mine being prepped for installation on the car. 951and944s, who is currently painting my car, did these.

By the way I don't see how anyone can claim to cut holes in a metal nose panel and tell you that you won't have to paint it. Afterall, you are cutting through metal and are bound to have exposed edges. Somehow those edges have to be protected from the elements.

ELLSSUU

Here's a better picture. He backs it by putting a polished aluminum piece to better direct the air into the intercooler. Another benefit is that the visible intercooler and polished piece give the car a menacing look, IMO!

IceShark

I would also want some rigidity in the punch outs either through rolling the edges or brazing/silver soldering a support plate on the back. Brazing may be a problem due to the galvanizing. I wonder if a sheet metal shop would be able to roll all the way around without damaging the outer skin and lines?

In the above picture, did the owner chrome the intake manifold? That must have cost a pretty penny.

keith

I dunno, looks like a funny moustache to me (no offense to anyone intended)

<img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />