Ben, bring tools to remove it at Redmond Town Center on Sat. and we can plug in the OBDII tool and check Intake Air Temps and MAP readings with and without.

 

It is possible that the grill you speak of may be blocking some airflow. It SHOULD not be enough to impede cooling noticeably. Not having seen the grill it is difficult to say, but there will be a difference in the pressure across the grill.

If what Colin states about the design of the intake system of the S2K is correct then I would agree that the system can, in fact, restrict enough air to cause a noticeable reduction in tip in response and off idle performance.

You also may be able to hear - at low speeds anyway - the sound of air rushing around the small holes which add psychological input to boot. Which, by the way are indicators of a flow restriction... no matter how small. Impeded flow = reduced power even if it's small. Very small.

It's only aesthetic - well, it can protect the radiator - it can be removed.

 

FWIW

I have no noticable variations in power since I had mine installed in Asheville. I've driven a few thouasnd miles since then and been to several AutoX's and the car "feels" exactly the same as it did pior to the install.

 

FWIW...do you think it is harder for the air to pass through the grill (big holes) or through the air filter (tiny tiny holes)? I have had Dennis' grill installed for most of the 6,000 miles on my car and have had no problems...plus I managed to get 29.6 mpg highway, and like Rick, I have no problems keeping up with any other Stook in aggressive driving (even at the Dragon, although, never been up against the SC)
My guess is that the grill creates a little additional drag, however, I also feel that there is no less air that gets through the grill than cars without it, as there is probably still less resistance for the air to pass through the grill than to go backwards and either over or under the car. Also, once the air gets thru the grill, it is travelling at a higher velocity, and therefore, should cool your radiator with more force Just my opinion.

 

Where do you get Smokin's grill from? Pics? Thanks.

 

Copy of email that Dennis (Smokin') sent me on 30 November 2000

Here's the information you requested:

The stone guard is fabricated out of aluminum with a black plastic trim around it. The grill is painted black and fits over the existing grill. (No modifications are necessary) It can be installed in about five minutes with zip ties and instructions which are supplied. This allows for easy removal for cleaning and reinstallation. It costs $40. plus $5 shipping and handling. There is a ninety day money back guarantee. It looks great with any color S2000 and definitely helps protect the radiator and condenser without restricting the air flow.

If you are interested, send us your address for shipping along with your payment. You can use http://www.paypal.com or a check. Our address is 903 Marscastle Avenue, Orlando, Fl 32812. As soon as we receive payment, we will send it right out.

Thanks,

Dennis Cunningham ( Smokin )
drclgc@gate.net

 

Looking at that picture...

It doesn't look like it will restrict enough airflow to cause a concern.

It actually looks cool. hehehe.

 

RT, that'd be awesome to do. I'll bring the allen wrench.

From the picture, I can tell already that the smokin' grill allows more air to pass through than the grill I have. And there's no doubt the grill does restrict airflow as compared to having no grill at all. My question is, does the S2000 need all that air to perform as it should?

I think this thing needs some testing to confirm there is no effect on performance.

http://www.hondas2000accessories.com/id16.htm


[Edited by SpaceNeedle on 05-20-2001 at 09:58 AM]

 

If the grill restricts air flow, would the manifold pressure increase? If so, can't this be measured w/the grill on, then off?

 

given the fact that the intake is receiving sufficient enough air flow, and the majority of the air flowing through the engine bay is doing so for cooling purposes - anything over 35 miles an hour provides sufficient enough amount of cooling without running a belt or electric driven fan on the engine. given this, I do not see how this is causing the engine to be starving of airflow.

I'm not sure you or I could notice a difference if I sat in a car, drove around a track, then got in another car and drove it around a track, and trying to figure out which one had the grill. I'm not entirely saying its mental, but ideas can lead to mental impressions of the car. that's all.