Should this have any detrimental effect on the car? I did it a few days ago and it doesn't seem to be having any trouble cooling, but hot starts are a little troublesome and it takes a few tries to get it to actually start. I think this is due to a wire that goes from the radiator to the computer hitting the radiator itself and getting hot... might this be it?

If there's any negative effects to taking the shroud off, I'll go put it back on now. I just did it for aesthetics.

 

the shroud does help the fan draw the air completly through the entire radiator. if u are using the stock clutch fan I would keep the shroud.. if u are going on beauty sakes like I am just get a 16" electric fan

Dave

 

Well you answered your own question. The shroud is there for a reason, which is to ensure air is drawn through the whole radiator, as SpooledUpracing said. I cant see it pulling hardly any air at all without it. Obviously your engine is now running hotter than before, since you said you are having hot start problems. And also, I would NOT want to work under the engine bay while it's running with that big fan sticking right out in the open like that. The shroud has saved my hands once allready, and it also makes a great spot to sit your tools down on. (assuming the intake thing is removed.)

Now all in all, if you're worried about looks so much, then go E-fan.But the shroud doesnt look bad anyway when it's all shined up

 

Put the shroud back on. Without it, the fan will be pulling far less air through the rad and instead just churning the air in the engine bay. Search for "shroud removal" if you want to read the thousands of past topics on this subject. It's there for a reason.

 

It's back on now.