Front end mod-will it hurt cooling????
03-19-2004, 11:27 PM
#1
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Front end mod-will it hurt cooling????
Hello all you backyard engineers out there. (especially Porken) I am thinking of doing some modification to the front bumper cover on my GT, and am looking for opinions as to the affect on cooling, or any input from a mechanical/engineering standpoint. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR OPINIONS/FLAMES AS TO MY TASTE IN MODS!!!!! (LOL!!!!)
What I am thinking of doing is removing the two horizontal slats and blending/glassing the sides smooth, similar to the front bumper that was custom made for somebody here on the list in the UK. My plan is to then bend up some sheetmetal to make sure air is directed to the radiator, and not under it between the radiator and black spoiler. Then I plan to install a wire mesh grill across the opening (ala' ricers/racers, etc....) to prevent the larger sized debris from going all the way through to the airbox. (currently it's like a road vacuum.) I get ALL kinds of debris into the airbox.
( One day the GT was down on power, and it was very noticeable. As the first troubleshooting step I removed the airbox lid, and found a candybar wrapper covering most of the center of the filter, directly over the MAF. Removed the wrapper, and viola", problem solved. )
I believe that a screen mesh from Pegasus Racing would do a fine job of helping with the debris, and that the change in the "grill" opening would allow more airflow, as well as update the look of the opening. I "think" I can do this for less than $40.00, with minimal hours spent wrenching, and get a functional, different look.
What say you oh wise backyard engineers????
What I am thinking of doing is removing the two horizontal slats and blending/glassing the sides smooth, similar to the front bumper that was custom made for somebody here on the list in the UK. My plan is to then bend up some sheetmetal to make sure air is directed to the radiator, and not under it between the radiator and black spoiler. Then I plan to install a wire mesh grill across the opening (ala' ricers/racers, etc....) to prevent the larger sized debris from going all the way through to the airbox. (currently it's like a road vacuum.) I get ALL kinds of debris into the airbox.
( One day the GT was down on power, and it was very noticeable. As the first troubleshooting step I removed the airbox lid, and found a candybar wrapper covering most of the center of the filter, directly over the MAF. Removed the wrapper, and viola", problem solved. )
I believe that a screen mesh from Pegasus Racing would do a fine job of helping with the debris, and that the change in the "grill" opening would allow more airflow, as well as update the look of the opening. I "think" I can do this for less than $40.00, with minimal hours spent wrenching, and get a functional, different look.
What say you oh wise backyard engineers????
03-20-2004, 01:13 AM
#2
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This pic shows a cutout into the bumper cover to let more air to the intake and radiator. As much as I cringe to think of chopping anything up, I just know more air is much needed. Am I wrong? This particular car looks pretty good, and you know he's haulin' ***.......
03-20-2004, 01:39 AM
#3
Re: Front end mod-will it hurt cooling????
Originally posted by Chris Lockhart
What I am thinking of doing is removing the two horizontal slats and blending/glassing the sides smooth, similar to the front bumper that was custom made for somebody here on the list in the UK. My plan is to then bend up some sheetmetal to make sure air is directed to the radiator, and not under it between the radiator and black spoiler. Then I plan to install a wire mesh grill across the opening (ala' ricers/racers, etc....) to prevent the larger sized debris from going all the way through to the airbox. (currently it's like a road vacuum.) I get ALL kinds of debris into the airbox.
What I am thinking of doing is removing the two horizontal slats and blending/glassing the sides smooth, similar to the front bumper that was custom made for somebody here on the list in the UK. My plan is to then bend up some sheetmetal to make sure air is directed to the radiator, and not under it between the radiator and black spoiler. Then I plan to install a wire mesh grill across the opening (ala' ricers/racers, etc....) to prevent the larger sized debris from going all the way through to the airbox. (currently it's like a road vacuum.) I get ALL kinds of debris into the airbox.
When you have done that, please inform us or me of how you did it, as I have been planning that for a finishing touch on a repainted bumper. JUST PERFECT.
Remove the flaps and redo the air catcher to direct all air into the rad or oil cooler. Perfect.
03-20-2004, 03:43 AM
#4
Drifting
chris,
following my front end mods there has been no need to even add ducting to give the airflow direction up into the radiator, i think you would find no problem with airflow once on the move. the main need for airflow is when stationary or in stop-start traffic at which time the electric fans will do the trick.
following my front end mods there has been no need to even add ducting to give the airflow direction up into the radiator, i think you would find no problem with airflow once on the move. the main need for airflow is when stationary or in stop-start traffic at which time the electric fans will do the trick.
03-20-2004, 06:23 AM
#5
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Originally posted by 928andRC51
This pic shows a cutout into the bumper cover to let more air to the intake and radiator. As much as I cringe to think of chopping anything up, I just know more air is much needed. Am I wrong? This particular car looks pretty good, and you know he's haulin' ***.......
This pic shows a cutout into the bumper cover to let more air to the intake and radiator. As much as I cringe to think of chopping anything up, I just know more air is much needed. Am I wrong? This particular car looks pretty good, and you know he's haulin' ***.......
Makes me wonder, if something along those lines could be housings for projection lights on street cars...
03-20-2004, 08:36 AM
#6
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Re: Front end mod-will it hurt cooling????
Originally posted by Chris Lockhart
I believe that a screen mesh from Pegasus Racing would do a fine job of helping with the debris, and that the change in the "grill" opening would allow more airflow, as well as update the look of the opening. I "think" I can do this for less than $40.00, with minimal hours spent wrenching, and get a functional, different look.
What say you oh wise backyard engineers????
I believe that a screen mesh from Pegasus Racing would do a fine job of helping with the debris, and that the change in the "grill" opening would allow more airflow, as well as update the look of the opening. I "think" I can do this for less than $40.00, with minimal hours spent wrenching, and get a functional, different look.
What say you oh wise backyard engineers????
Sounds like a worthy project.
What you need for the screening is called "hardware cloth." You should be able to get it from Home Depot or a local hardware store. It comes in different size screening so you have a choice. What I used to use had openings about 1/4" square. It is very tough and will stop rocks at speeds well in excess of 100mph with little or no denting. And if you do dent it, it is cheap, available and easy to install. Be prepared to poke several .010 holes in your fingers while cutting and shaping it.
Take some photos while you are at it.
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03-20-2004, 01:43 PM
#8
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Thanks guys for all the replies.
Tom, that is very close to what I'm planning, only keeping the shape more oval/rounded at the ends like Nick's front end. I think it will be an improvement in cooling and looks.
Joe, thanks for the tip on Home Depot. Los easier than ordering it from out of state.
Brendan, you're right about the flaps. I had already planned to remove them and the motor, but forgot to mention that in my post.
All, hopefully I will start this project tomorrow or next weekend, and I will do my best to detail it with pics. Thanks again for the replies, and don't hesitate to keep them coming!!!!!!!
Tom, that is very close to what I'm planning, only keeping the shape more oval/rounded at the ends like Nick's front end. I think it will be an improvement in cooling and looks.
Joe, thanks for the tip on Home Depot. Los easier than ordering it from out of state.
Brendan, you're right about the flaps. I had already planned to remove them and the motor, but forgot to mention that in my post.
All, hopefully I will start this project tomorrow or next weekend, and I will do my best to detail it with pics. Thanks again for the replies, and don't hesitate to keep them coming!!!!!!!
03-20-2004, 03:09 PM
#9
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Oh no, have I become: "PorKen - King of the (backyard mechanic) Gypsies"? 
Chris,
I don't know the layout of the later cars bumper, so I don't have much to offer, unfortunately.
Here's what I did to replace the 'gills' on my car:
What they'all are callin' hardware cloth, some folks call chicken wire. I wrapped it around a skeletal steel frame. It really does help keep the junk out.
This will make Nicole laugh I'm sure... But if you can get one, get a spare bumper to modify so if you ever tire of the modification (like I often do) you can switch back (especially since you have the GT).
Chris,
I don't know the layout of the later cars bumper, so I don't have much to offer, unfortunately.
Here's what I did to replace the 'gills' on my car:
What they'all are callin' hardware cloth, some folks call chicken wire. I wrapped it around a skeletal steel frame. It really does help keep the junk out.
This will make Nicole laugh I'm sure... But if you can get one, get a spare bumper to modify so if you ever tire of the modification (like I often do) you can switch back (especially since you have the GT).
03-20-2004, 03:25 PM
#10
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Originally posted by PorKen
Oh no, have I become: "PorKen - King of the (backyard mechanic) Gypsies"?
What they'all are callin' hardware cloth, some folks call chicken wire. I wrapped it around a skeletal steel frame. It really does help keep the junk out.
Oh no, have I become: "PorKen - King of the (backyard mechanic) Gypsies"?
What they'all are callin' hardware cloth, some folks call chicken wire. I wrapped it around a skeletal steel frame. It really does help keep the junk out.
By the way, that looks like hardware cloth to us'uns
03-20-2004, 03:41 PM
#11
Iz dat dems keepin the critters outa da Angine Porken?
Day der at da ZuuffinhAUSIN gots nuthin on the good lawd's pooken.
Day der at da ZuuffinhAUSIN gots nuthin on the good lawd's pooken.
03-20-2004, 03:49 PM
#12
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Sheeit boy, don't you know that I got me a Weesuck figured automobeel!
Critter wire keeps the squirrels in! Can't afford to ackwire new squirrels any times I please, like some folk.
Critter wire keeps the squirrels in! Can't afford to ackwire new squirrels any times I please, like some folk.
03-20-2004, 07:24 PM
#14
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UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!! (and Porken, I can't afford no new front end, so this one will have to do)
Front bumper cover has been cleanly disassembled with the cutting wheel. Flaps, bracketry, and motor are history. (Didn't have a scale, but I bet it was at least 10lbs off the front end) Fabbed bracket for structural integrity of the center of the bumper, and installed. So far so good!!!!!! It really looks good so far. Also looks like you can get more cooling air to the radiator.
Next comes cleaning, sealing, and pop riviting all the black plastic bits on the sides to provide better structural integrity (they didn't have much before the hacking) and to clean up the look/airflow of the sides. Then comes the wire mesh. (thanks again Joe. $13 a roll at Lowes) God willing and the creek don't rise, I should have it done tonight, including the TINY amount of guards red paint touch up that will have to be done. (if you're REAL careful, you wind up with a spot on each side about 1" long X 1/4" wide to touch up)
Hopefully I will have some pics to post tonight or tomorrow. (have to borrow neighbor's digital camera.) I can't wait to show it off!!!!!! Also, when complete, I'll have about $20.00 in it. Can't beat that!!!!
Front bumper cover has been cleanly disassembled with the cutting wheel. Flaps, bracketry, and motor are history. (Didn't have a scale, but I bet it was at least 10lbs off the front end) Fabbed bracket for structural integrity of the center of the bumper, and installed. So far so good!!!!!! It really looks good so far. Also looks like you can get more cooling air to the radiator.
Next comes cleaning, sealing, and pop riviting all the black plastic bits on the sides to provide better structural integrity (they didn't have much before the hacking) and to clean up the look/airflow of the sides. Then comes the wire mesh. (thanks again Joe. $13 a roll at Lowes) God willing and the creek don't rise, I should have it done tonight, including the TINY amount of guards red paint touch up that will have to be done. (if you're REAL careful, you wind up with a spot on each side about 1" long X 1/4" wide to touch up)
Hopefully I will have some pics to post tonight or tomorrow. (have to borrow neighbor's digital camera.) I can't wait to show it off!!!!!! Also, when complete, I'll have about $20.00 in it. Can't beat that!!!!
