I thought I would share two pictures of my latest hacks. I desnorked the side intake and installed safety mesh in front of the intake to prevent debris from entering the airbox.

I also added mesh grilles to the front radiator openings to keep them bug and debris-free. I removed a ton of leaves, bugs, cigarette butts, paper, ... from the radiators - it's amazing how much crap accumulates there. At least now it will get stuck in the mesh, where it will be easier to clean.



Gary

 

Can you post a picture of the entire front end with your mesh?

Thanks!

 

Here you go...

 

Where did you get the front mesh?

 

It's aluminum window screen mesh from Home Depot, around $6 for a huge roll. All you have to do is cut it to size and insert it between the bumper cover and the intake openings (the bumper cover needs to come off for this).

It's an easy hack (1.5 hours maybe), but definitely worth it to keep the radiators clear of debris.

Gary

 

Here are two reasons why mesh is a good idea:

 

Looks good, and I like the idea of keeping the "crap" where it is easy to see.

Every time I get into something for the first time, I find that there were unxpected issues and significant learning.

Were there any tricks to getting it apart? Any suggestions of things to avoid doing?

 

Notice any difference in temps or performance? I would assume the screen cuts down the airflow somewhat, but I could be wrong.

Bro

 

Getting the bumper cover apart is very straightforward. No gotcha's really. Make sure you have a bed sheet or something on the floor before taking the bumper cover off so that you don't scratch it when you put it down. I recommend buying the Bentley Boxster Service Manual.

Yes, there must be some reduction in airflow. But it is apparently very minimal. There are no changes in coolant temperatures; I am very paranoid about things like that.

Gary

 

It looks very nice!!!

 

Godd Job! I once pulled an adult dove out of my radiator intake. It is amazing what can get in there.

 

How do you have it affixed in there? I assume it's not just held by friction between the bumper and intake.

 

Yes it is. The mesh is folded over a lip on the intake, and the bumper cover goes on top of that same lip and clamps it down. Kinda hard to describe, but fairly obvious once you have the bumper cover off. It is held tight enough for all practical purposes. It probably won't survive the head-on onslaught of type987's kamikaze dove though...

Gary

 

I would worry about that mesh clogging with ice/snow up here in the northern states.

Jon

 

Great job... looks great and protects from dirt