Is it a good idea to remove the black plastic pieces in front of the radiator?
 

I'm talking about the plastic pieces that surround the coolant overflow bottle, hood latch, etc etc ... it would seem that they are just blocking off airflow to the radiator?

I can't think of any good reason not to take them off ... unless someone has one?

Radiator Panels - are the claims of drops in temperature true?
 

I've been debating back and forth whether or not to get one. On the one hand it will snazz up the engine bay a little bit, but at the same time I actually want to feel that I am getting my moneys worth and it is in fact doing something.

Anyone have one, what are your opinions?

Weight addition. The added few ounces will keep your car on the ground in a tornado:lol2:

J/K I can't see why you should keep them.

I've never seen a claim that the aftermarket panel is better than the stock pieces (that you're asking about in another thread).

Either/or, IMO.

leave them on. they help air flow, not hurt it.

+1

Only reason to remove them would be if you're getting a radiator panel like this:

http://corksport.com/store/large/19n...tor_Panel.html

Just have something. Doesn't matter what. Otherwise the air won't get forced thru the rad.

which is why i have my other thread posted :)

Never noticed a difference... but I'm sure it does something. Like the trapped air cushions the air to go through the Radiator and stoof.

i've been meaning to make one of those radiator panels for a few months now since i havent had the black plastic ducting in there, but in the mean time, the coolant temps have been very stable at about 1/3 up the S4 gauge. I think the hottest I've seen was 94*C.

They arent blocking airflow to the rad tho, they're there to prevent the air from swirling up behind the front bumper, creating turbulence and blowing around the radiator, reducing its effectiveness. It seems to be ok to run without them, but if you have them, theres no harm in keeping them there.

Look at them again. Does it look like they are just blocking off airflow to the radiator, or does it look like they are keeping the air flowing straight into the radiator rather than leaking up and over the radiator? ;)

From my brief experience, having one removed causes notably higher coolant temperatures. I would imagine having both removed would do the same thing, but possibly to a slightly greater degree. I would recommend having SOMETHING there to keep all the air coming in the front flowing into the radiator.

i'd leave them on because they were probably placed there for reason... kinda think of it as your under tray... but an upper one. hah