Do you guys use any kind of mesh grill or anything to cover that big hole in the front? Isn't it just like the big hole in the Miata? And why the heck is it out in the open like that?! There's gonna be radiator damage for sure!

 

It's aesthetic for sure. There's no reason really to cover it up if you maintain the radiator at regular intervals (i.e. go out with some needlenose pliers and pic the rocks out and straighten the fins). Those with FMIC's though...I'd expect some level of protection would be wanted considering how much those things cost. I'm gonna go with a big SMIC when the time for that come simply because of this factor. I'm not one for tedious maintenance like the radiator/plier thing, and it's only bound to get worse with an FMIC

 

So does anybody cover up the big hole in their grill, or just leave it open then?? Cause most Miata owners have to cover it to protect the radiator

 

You are supposed to leave the hole there for more efficent cooling..

 

I have no idea why you would think you would get radiator damage anyways, I drive my car pretty damn hard, and have never had radiator damage, plus your a/c condensor sits in front of the radiator. Just don't go hauling *** through rock quarys and you'll be ok..

 

Alrighty, the more cooling the better

 

yeah mesh doesn't help protect anything untill it is soo fine it slows down air flow... but guys with FMIC like myself should have SOME rock protection. (i do mainly cause i live on a dirt road)

 

What else helps with cooling??? I don't mean the expensive carbon fibre Mazdaspeed hood either

 

Let's see...things to help with cooling.

Better Rad
Bigger Intercooler
Open the Intake
Open the Exhaust (DP, MP, Cat-back)
Replace/Remove AST (preventative maintenance more than anything)
Fan Mod

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. That would definately get you started. Another thing I didn't mention was upgrading your ECU according to the "three mod rule" when opening up your intake and exhaust so that you don't run lean and blow your engine.