Thinking of buying a Coastal Metals front grill. Would appreciate any thoughts on whether the increase in the radiator temp is an issue. I know their research seems to indicate that it's not a big deal, but would like any real world advice from members.

If it's an issue, does opening up the side vents make a difference? Or should I go for the complete CAI?

While we're at it, anyone bought the front lip splitter or bumper protector from CM? I don't want to mess with the front end too much, but wouldn't mind some protection there. Anyone have pics, or thoughts?

 

Got both the CM front grill and lip splitter...

Temperature gauge read 3 bars before I installed the grill and there has been no change since installation 3 months ago and the Florida heat is unbearable at the mo and my S2K is in daily use...

As for the splitter, has saved been many $$ on my front end as I still touch the kerb when parking and the splitter is built tough that you see no signs of damage on it....

I would buy both items again if need be.

 

I've had the Coastal Metals grill installed for over a year now and I've never had an issue with the "raising" heat bars. Some of the events I've participated in are very stressful for the car with lots of revving and in some extreme heat and I've never seen a 4th heat bar! Buy one, you'll love it!

 

Have benn running supercharged with coastal metals for approx. 1 year (including a number of days with 95+ degree heat) no overheating issues whatsoever.

Never more than 3 bars.

 

It would be interesting to know actual coolant temperature versus "bars". I bet someone with a coolant temperature gauge has seen a difference in stop and go traffic.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s-cbr
[B]Thinking of buying a Coastal Metals front grill.

 

No problems here in South Florida, were the temp is hot as hell right now.

 

Thanks Axcilla, for the info. And everyone else for your real-world results.

Axcilla, your test results were a bit confusing, but it doesn't seem to me that the side cutouts reduced the temps; maybe I'm reading it wrong.

As for the bumper protector and splitter, it's real difficult to tell from the pictures what these look like. Maybe that's a good thing, because I'm looking for something unobtrusive. But if anyone has better pictures, please post. Until then, Axcilla, what color would you recommend for silverstone silver: stainless or powdercoated?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s-cbr
[B]
Axcilla, your test results were a bit confusing, but it doesn't seem to me that the side cutouts reduced the temps; maybe I'm reading it wrong.

 

Axcilla, I saw on that page that there is a certain side that should be facing the front when you mount the front grill that will help keep it cooler. Is this true? If so, how do we tell which side should face the front? I don't remember seeing this in the instructions that came with the grill I ordered a few weeks ago. Thanks.

Mark