of course - shouldn't be a problem! That's how the Grill Tech ones are done!

 

Please tell me that you've fitted a suitably uprated radiator before fitting that front grill. I know that's not my engine anymore, but I still wish it a long life... the standard radiator is not up to the task behind a grill like that with the engine running at the level of tune when I sold the car.

-Brian.

 

I was thinking exactly the same thing earlier today.

 

Turtle & Steve - valid point
The air flow rate through these grills is 82% according to the manufacturer, this is a lot higher than the ~60% of the Grill Techs!. Even though the air flow rate is reduced I would expect the thermostat/fan to simply cut in a bit earlier as the temperature rises.

From my experience with both the Grill Techs and my design, over the 9 months, 8,000 miles and two "Driver Training" days I have done in my car, I have not seen the temperature gauge move off the "normal" 3 bar position.

 

You ain't running a Mugen ECU where the temp becomes a bit more critical.

Any warm air under the bonnet is going to affect the performance of the car this is why you need as much airflow as possible and why I cut out my vents and have never considered installing a grill.

 

Bugger, I wish I knew more about engines before I tampered with stuff. I didn't think about that Brian. Guess it may be coming back off as I definitely want the engine to have a long life as well. Could do with emailing you a big list before I break stuff.

Thanks

Marc

 

You can be in '3 bars' and still be too hot. 4 bars is very hot. I'm posting based of datalogging a car with a grill - not this one but a home made one. I can tell you to 0.5 degrees C the difference from a stock car. If you're going to quote any grill as not having a negetive impact, please use OBD-2 to see the coolant temps the ECU sees - sadly Honda didn't see fit to make the range on the standard temp gauge useful. It is less of an issue if you're running the standard ECU (primarily as it runs so rich at high rpm), but the engine running hot, even within the 3 bar range, costs power and longevity. Not at risk levels on a standard engine... but still something I wouldn't personally do.

The temperatures of air intake, coolant and oil under running conditions are all important to the good health and long life of an engine. Anything that puts any of them outside the optimum range, or the wider design range is something to think about to make an informed choice on.

-Brian.

 

Thanks Brian, you should write a book methinks. Your comments are very useful and I don't want to do any damage to the engine. I haven't really given the car any good long vtec blasts yet and am driving very cautiously at the moment with slippy conditions.

I will take note of your opinion and always welcome it with regard to your former S as you have put a lot of time and money into the car.

Thanks

Marc

 

Turtle ideally you are right.
On a standard engine I have not seen any problems or difference, I don't consider it a significant risk and will keep mine on.
Obviously a tuned or race engine is a "different kettle of fish"

 

Brian has written a book - it's called his posts on s2ki