I have a custom black grill on my car however I was wondering about the black plastic bits either side. Do that pop out or will I need to cut them. I have made a nice mod to use with my AEM in the summer and then an insert in the winter to stop water getting in.

 

I'm nearly 100% sure they need to be cut out.

I couldn't see any way of removing them when my OEM bumper came off recently.

 

The are moulded as part of the bumper on both OEM bumpers

 

Yup need to be cut out, I have just grilled my bumper after cutting it to fit the oil cooler and intercooler behind, I also have some brake ducts coming to funnel air from the side cut outs onto the brakes!