I am the other driver with the grill that DriverWithTheBigGrin mentioned.

While I never saw 4 bars (hairpins and hang-time...I didn't have time to look at the temperature gauge), I did start a thread a few weeks ago questioning the temperature of the interior of the car after installing the grill. I commented that the leg areas, console area and engine compartment were all hotter than before.

I do believe that the car runs hotter with the grill, I just don't know if it is enough to make a difference in performance or engine reliability. The grill looks great, but it may be reducing airflow too much.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tanqueray
[B]I am the other driver with the grill that DriverWithTheBigGrin mentioned.

 

I think the grill looks great. If I were stock I'd add it.

 

Something to keep in mind is the type of driving you do. If you routinely drive closely behind other stooks or cars with sticky tires, you will get a lot of pebbles kicked up into the condenser. This can cause the fins to bend flat and severely reduce the airflow into the radiator. I've seen some of the cars that drive in the Austin hill country and those condensers are in pretty bad shape. In a case like this, I think protecting the condenser fins would actually keep the airflow from decreasing significantly.

BTW, I have the grill and love it.

 

I love the grill too and I am NOT trying to start anything. I thought we were all adults here and could discuss the problems or possible problems of the grill. I am not knocking the grill in any way, shape or form. I am stating facts, as I know them. The car ran differently at 4 bars than it did at 3. Now, whether the cause was truly the grill or not, I do not know for sure. I am going to remove it and see if it makes a difference. If I get 4 bars again without it I will let you know. Living in the road constuction capitol, I need the grill. What I do not need is something that will make the temp increase. Living and driving in Texas, I get enough of it already.

 

Has anyone compared resistance to air flow of McCune's grill with Smokin's grill.

I have McCune's stored in my garage. I've had Smokin's installed since January. With Smokin's grill AND MY CUT DOWN license plate, I saw four bars. The conditions were pro-overheating: top down, 90 deg F, climbing twisty mountain road, 2nd gear 55 mph, a/c on.

I slowed down to find a pull-off and the fourth bar went away. Then I pulled off the plate and couldn not make four bars again.

 

It is kinda interesting that almost no one on this board has seen 4 bars without a grill. Anyone, anyone, Beuhler, Beuhler?

 

i have the grill and think its great. i don't drive my car hard so i don't think heat will be an issue for me. however, the test and experiences posted here are hardly scientific or conclusive. they are just observations and i like reading everyones experiences with aftermarket items as it gives everyone some perspective on products.

space,
your experience needs more data points to be considered a valid test. otherwise, its just your well meant observation. driving a mile or two doesn't necessarily mean anything. you need to drive it in all conditions multiple times: a morning run, afternoon run, late night run, short and long distances, low and high speeds, some with the screen off first and others with the screen off second and multiple cars (at least more than one) the more consistently you can repeat your theory, the more valid it becomes.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tile
[B]space,

 

[QUOTE]
[B]
space,