Driving around this weekend on 2 nights at about 90 degrees with AC, I noticed that the cabin was very warm. The console was hot under my arm, the footwells were very hot, and the engine smelled hot. When my wife took her purse out of the footwell, the side that was against the firewall was so hot that it felt like it had been sitting on top of an oven. The engine stayed at 3 bars, however.

My oil was normal, my coolant level was normal, and I haven't experienced this before, even driving at 105 degrees during the day. I suspect that my newly installed grill cover is decreasing air circulation to the AC and engine radiators.

Has anyone else experienced this? Especially anyone from a warm climate? Does anyone have a rough idea of how much airflow is lost with the grill cover?

Thanks,
Tanq

 

Tanqueray, that's a very interesting observation. I was considering adding the grill also but if it is reducing air flow I'll wait.

Did you notice any change in the number of bars on the temp. gauge? I've never seen more than 3 bars on my car.

Those that have installed the grill cover please post your observations here.

[Edited by S2k Dude on 05-14-2001 at 12:10 PM]

 

Tanqueray, I think I have something similar, namely, a very warm cabinet/interior. I noticed it right after I bought my car, but it was winter time, so I figured it was just the heat working very, very well. But now that its warmer, I still get the heat in the footwell area, even when I turn the temperature dial all the way to the left and in the blue area. The console by the gear shifter is also quite warm, especially during spirited driving. I have the vent set to blow thru the footwells area, is that the problem ? I moved the vents to blow from the top yesterday and it appears to be better (less warm area). I don't have a grill in front of my radiator.

[Edited by mister_two on 05-14-2001 at 01:57 PM]

 

I have had the front grill piece on from day 1....maybe I should drive it around w/it off just to see if there is a difference.....hmmmmmmm

 

I recently installed a front grill on my car and haven't noticed anything different. The slight heat in the footwell and center console have all been there since I got the car. I suspect that this interior heat is do the the lack of sound deadening insulation (which also blocks out some heat) on the S2K.

 

Hey, guys... just to ease your concerns, we have a radiator not an intercooler. The front grill is fine and will look great. And the warmth issue... the S2000's transmission is right there in the center tunnel with little insulation as a result of x-bone and other engineering intentions. Don't worry about it.

 

I too recently put on the 'grill' and have not noticed anything different. With the lack of sound insulation and the type of car (sports car) the engine/tranny will of course seem hot. My dad still has a scar on his left ankle where he burnt it in a 427 Cobra just by letting it touch the side of the tranny tunnel (he was a passenger). Heat is good - it means you are driving fast.

 

Mine is warm until I turn the thermostat down......it is independent of the blower and makes a huge difference. Is the Thermostat set to heat (red) or cool (blue)?

 

Stats:

Duration: Grill on for 3-4 weeks
Engine: Supercharged
Weather: Houston
Stock engine temp readout: 3 bars
Exhaust temp: Steady range before and after install (normal driving 1,000 - 1,4000 F - over 130 MPH 1,500 F)

The center console gets hot often, but it's been doing that from day one. Although the grill does block some air flow, I don't think the car needs that much air flow to maintain good temps. If I drop an intercooler that grill is coming off quick, mainly for cosmetic reasons.

Wesmaster