on the touring model with one oil cooler what is behind the opposite inlet (the one on the passenger side)? any advantages with removing this? what about the plastic part in the big opening in the front bumper (it blocks off both sides to make the opening smaller)? obviously this is there to direct air flow, but with a moded fd is there any benefits to removing this? more air flow to the rad and ic?
this pic shows the 2 plastic peices im talking about.

 

For the passenger side on a non-R manual models, there is nothing there. The Autos have a tranny cooler.

As for the front bars in the radiator opening, many people remove them. As for what they are, I don't think anyone knows "specifically", but they are for some sort of air management.

 

has anyone used the passenger side air inlet for a ram air to the intake? is it possible? i wasnt really talking about the bars in the rad opening but the plastic on either side. not sure if thats what u ment by "front bars in rad opening"? the plastic thingy looks like it would restrict about 1/3 of the air flow to the rad/ic/intake. is it there to increase the air flow pressure by restricting it?

 

People have done it, but in order to get a good duct, you need to either have sleek lights or cut sheet metal.

 

ptrhahn is right about the other side as an air intake. With the stock pop-ups, there's not much room, but it can be done. I used a dryer duct to route it just under the intake.

The plastic on the sides is most likely to force the air through the radiator and not around it. I can't see what you are referring to in that pic, and it's been a LONG time since I've seen a stock FD in person so I may not be thinking of the same part you are.

The best thing to do with a stock front end for cooling, is to make sure air can't go around the radiator, only through it. Make sure all your gaps on the sides of the radiator are plugged/covered and you'll be all set.

 

maybe this will help i highlighted the areas im talkin about in paint. did it really quick sorry bout the quality

 

the two areas are what mahjik was talking about directing air into the radiator. Most people who get aftermarket radiators and properly seal it, end up removing those pieces to increase airflow.

The other opening can be used for an air intake as stated above.

 

Actually i'm planning on opening up that passenger side area and use it for a brake duct. Ducting the driver's side will be more of a challenge, though...

 

I cut a hole in the passenger side plastic piece for the radiator air flow and ducted it up to the intake. I had an auto, so I couldn't use the "oil cooler" opening.

 

thanks for the info guys
i think i might use the passenger side inlet for the intake. anyone have any pics?

 

On my touring the foglights mount in front there blocking the air anyway.

-Cliff

 

yea..................and.................

 

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/those-used-open-oil-cooler-spot-ram-air-vent-162205/

 

Unless you've taken steps to make sure the air goes through your radiator there's no significant bennifit to removing those pieces, they are there to direct the air through the radiator, even the tourings with the fog lights still have these pieces, only smaller.

 

yea thats what i figured thanks for the help though