Removing/modifying Side Panels Next To Radiator?

takevin · June 8, 2008

So while i was detailing the engine compartment, i noticed on each side of the radiator one plastic panel on each side. With the varam setup these need to be removed for the short ram intake. THeres still gaps becuase of this. Im going a different route with a air intake, but i thought of cutting out a large portion of each of thse panels, use mesh screening applied to the back to send more cool air but keep bugs out, or the slimmest chance of a small pebble. Good idea or no?

iminaquagmire · June 8, 2008

I assume you're talking about the flexible plastic pieces that fit behind the headlights. Without knowing how your intake is going to be setup, I have no idea how doing anything to those would help.

takevin · June 8, 2008

theyre flat panels, one on each side angled in front of the radiaor just behind the front grill.

VMax2007 · June 8, 2008

And the point of doing this is what?

takevin · June 9, 2008

bringing more air into the engine compartment.

BigJayDogg3 · June 9, 2008

theyre flat panels, one on each side angled in front of the radiaor just behind the front grill.

If I'm understanding this right, that would mean little to no airflow over the radiator.

VMax2007 · June 9, 2008

bringing more air into the engine compartment.

For what? Your engine is liquid cooled, putting the air through the radiator (and other heat exchangers) is a little more important.

Please don't tell me you are 2nd guessing the engineers who design these trucks.

C & A s Dad · June 9, 2008

Kevin, you do not want to do this. The system is designed to send maximum air over you A/C condensor and through your radiator. I have even seen some techs re seal and re engineer the sealing system on some FWD vehicles to get more air routed through the radiator and less moving around it.

takevin · June 9, 2008

bringing more air into the engine compartment.

For what? Your engine is liquid cooled, putting the air through the radiator (and other heat exchangers) is a little more important.

Please don't tell me you are 2nd guessing the engineers who design these trucks.

ok just inquiring since the varam setup you need to remove these. Just wanted to see if it was a good idea or not. Ill leave them be then. Fyi engineers dont know everything when designing something. Look at the new cameros that will be coming out. They are now being delayed because the camero cant pass the safety inspections, guess that was a fub in engineering.

VMax2007 · June 9, 2008

bringing more air into the engine compartment.

For what? Your engine is liquid cooled, putting the air through the radiator (and other heat exchangers) is a little more important.

Please don't tell me you are 2nd guessing the engineers who design these trucks.

ok just inquiring since the varam setup you need to remove these. Just wanted to see if it was a good idea or not. Ill leave them be then. Fyi engineers dont know everything when designing something. Look at the new cameros that will be coming out. They are now being delayed because the camero cant pass the safety inspections, guess that was a fub in engineering.

Of course they don't...but I think it's safe to assume they know a hell of alot more about this than you do. No offense.