dr bob

With summer here and the discussions of removing the cooling flaps, I took a look in the nose to verify that mine are still open. I have the fuse pulled but verify that they haven't drifted closed.

So the motor is at the full- extended position, but the flaps are about 15-20 degrees from horizontal. The linkage is fine, but the rod is at the shortest possible length. Any thoughts or experience on whether this is where they are supposed to be?

Chalkboss

I have the same exact configuration on my flaps, and was wondering if that's where they should sit.

MainePorsche

doc,
I run mine open to MAX with the fuse out. I've manually opened them to MAX, and have even adjusted the rod to optimize the 'openess'. They still sit off the horizontal slightly. I guess this is the configuration. I couldn't do anything more.

Rob Edwards

~15o sounds about right.

Rob Edwards

Maybe the downward angle of attack is intentional, given the generally upward displacement of incoming air by the inlet air guide from the front bumper opening?

docmirror

My guess, and it's pure speculation is that if they were completely parallel to the air entry, you would get vibration or flapping just as if it were a flag in the wind. Maybe not at 50MPH or 70, but at 100, or 120, or 145...

<#Edit; pichurs -- http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...99D32ED61A7C4F #>

davek9

Looked at this on an 88 last week and: "..the motor is at the full- extended position, but the flaps are about 15-20 degrees from horizontal..." correct!

Car is running cool w/ 85deg outside temps in traffic.

Dave

dr bob

I don't have any heating issues, but I was just observating that the later cars have no flaps, while many of you with flaps originally fitted have chsoen to remove them. To me that's roughly the equivalent of flaps closer to horizontal. Another caveat is that the car will be moving in a week or so to a PNW desert climate where the flaps might actually do some good for half the year, so I do want to leave them installed, and I'll put the fuse back in.

I may slip a 7mm wrench in the toolkit and try lengthening the link a little to open the flaps a tad more, assuming the mechanism can take that extra travel.

I'll be rolling up through the central valley of California on Tuesday if all goes as planned. Same as: contractor says I can have the workbay side of the garage as he finishes the rest of the house over the next couple weeks.

tda1

I just removed mine yesterday. I don't see a real benefit to them and they were removed from later cars.

Strosek Ultra

The flaps are removed on the red Strosek car. I have never noticed any difference running without flaps compared with the other cars having flaps.

Åke

tda1

SHOW OFF!!!! That is a beautiful car sir!

Strosek Ultra

Thank you tda1 for liking the red Strosek Ultra car. Actually it is my wifes car but I have restored and built it up for the former owner. If I am nice she will let me drive it from time to time.
Åke

tda1

I would be nice to her often . I wanted to put that kit on my car but they aren't available anymore. So I opted for a supercharger

Don Carter

I was looking at my 86.5 cooling flaps yesterday. They have been off the car for years and the vertical supports have deteriorated and cracked up. I still have all 3 flaps and was thinking about making new supports since I think it looks better the have them in place, but if they don't make any difference in cooling....

This is a common problem, and I'm surprised none of the regular fabricators have mentioned making custom supports for the non-S4 setup. Probably simple CNC work out of plastic.

polecat702

The flaps are angled up to direct air through the entire condenser and radiator, rather than just the lower portion of both. I pulled the fuse on mine, so they stay open. I think the black module with the fins is fryed in my car.