Forced Induction - cooling air restricted?

[N7GTX]

After Powers fitted the turbo installation, the front of the car looked more or less as before. The original black alloy grille with lots of small holes was back in place. I had a new alloy radiator fitted to help with cooling and the intercooler is mounted directly in front of the rad.

So, during the hot spell a couple of months back with air temps of around 26 degrees and in stop/start traffic the needle went to the red on the water temp gauge with the fans running. The temp on the motorway was about 80.
I have fitted a Jaguar style grille with stainless mesh so the holes are much, much larger. Last Sunday at Woodhall Spa the air temp was 25 degrees and the gauge never went above 90 degrees while crawling along, fans running. On the motorway the temp remained steady at 75 degrees.

On both occasions, as the fans were coming on, I can only conclude - not very scientifically - that the original grille is too restrictive (combined with the intercooler) to the air flow across the rad. I need a grille to prevent possible stone damage to the intercooler so haven't just done away with it.

Any other ideas would be helpful.

[phazed]

I have the later front with no grill ana huge oil cooler.

both rad and cooler have a large mesh over them.

No cooling issues.

[macdeb]

Myself, I'd do away with any grill.

[ClassiChimi]

I've got an alley rad and fear a small stone buggering it up.

It's a good idea to get rid of the grill to get the air rushing through the hole and a mesh just in front of your delicates to protect from stones etc.

[phazed]

You can see the mesh here.



Hard to see the mesh when you stand back.

[ClassiChimi]

And the extra hole and both opened out a tad by the looks of it, you must love that motor mate
That's the way to go for sure

[N7GTX]

macdeb said:

Myself, I'd do away with any grill.

Would the intercooler be strong enough to stand up to flying stones do you think?

[N7GTX]

phazed said:

You can see the mesh here.

That seems a good way of doing it. I had considered cutting a large hole on the underside to help with more airflow - bit like the 2 panels you have. Will seriously consider this. Ta.

This original photo shows the problem - small holes in the grille combined with the number plate directly in the airflow.



So for now its like this.



Hmmm, good ideas to think about. Cheers.

Edited by N7GTX on Saturday 8th August 09:49

[macdeb]

N7GTX said:

macdeb said:

Myself, I'd do away with any grill.

Would the intercooler be strong enough to stand up to flying stones do you think?

Seems ok so far, I'd rather a hole in the intercooler than the radiator and the intercooler covers most of that. If the intercooler gets a hole in it the MS is set to cut ignition at 17 psi [2 psi over set] in case of boost spikes/overboost. Later standard cars have no mesh.
I think it's trying to strike a balance between what can protect things without hindering airflow and something I'm still pondering.

[macdeb]

Some vents I cut this week to accommodate new twin oil coolers.

[macdeb]

Bugger, here's another.

[phazed]

Nice job Mac.

[ClassiChimi]

That's proper tasteful that is Mac, compliments your lights etc real cool dude, literally!

[macdeb]

Cheers blokes,

[Pupp]

Liking that Mac - might need to steal it!

[macdeb]

Pupp said:

Liking that Mac - might need to steal it!

A compliment indeed, you're welcome mate

Edited by macdeb on Thursday 13th August 08:50

[Barreti]

Wasn't the original issue really more to do with the number plate being in the middle of the grill right where the fans are,
Now you've moved it I'd have expected a 5-10 degree difference because of the improved airflow.
Or at least thats what I notice if I run without my number plate on - which I did in Spain when it was 35deg air temp.

[phazed]

Also, the point is the standard grill that is a stamped perforated sheet is more steel than fresh air!

That should defo go if you need more air flow.

[N7GTX]

Barreti said:

Wasn't the original issue really more to do with the number plate being in the middle of the grill right where the fans are,
Now you've moved it I'd have expected a 5-10 degree difference because of the improved airflow.
Or at least thats what I notice if I run without my number plate on - which I did in Spain when it was 35deg air temp.

I think it was probably a combination of the two. This is how I got it and I've seen a few cars with the number plate there. I used a hairdryer and a feather to try and see how much difference the original grille was causing to restrict the flow but it was a bit of a disaster really.
If I had the later front I think I would leave it blank (the Cerb was ok like that). The early one just seems so big with nothing and there is a lip where the seal fits too.