Radiator Cooling Panels

[C_WRX]

Are the Radiator Cooling panels (the panels that stop as much air escaping through the gaps created between the radiator and slam panel) any use ? Looking in to a couple of cosmetic engine changes and wondered if a worthwhile addition or not ??

[scoobysailor]

Been looking at the same mod myself but they seem pricey for what they are (Roger Clark motorsport one is £45 before postage!!).

I would be interested to see if anyone that has them fitted think they make any difference.......except for cosmetic of course.

[C_WRX]

Also :

Scoobyworld - £40 (excl. delivery), carbon fibre one £80

Scoobyparts - £35 (excl delivery), zero sports one £70

would one be better than another or is it just that they're doing a basic job of keeping cool air in ?

Edited August 19, 2009 by C_WRX

[StewartyBoy]

You've answered your own question mate. Yes AND No. If your in search of great power, you need better cooling. By redirecting that stray air into the radiator you are optimising flow and gaining efficient cooling.

Its sort of like buying a large FMIC and then not doing anything else to the car, just having it because the buyer thinks it looks better when its doing hee haw for the cars performance.

If you think it looks good buy it, but dont expect it to change anything as a stand-alone.

[john_stevenson2]

You've answered your own question mate. Yes AND No. If your in search of great power, you need better cooling. By redirecting that stray air into the radiator you are optimising flow and gaining efficient cooling.

Its sort of like buying a large FMIC and then not doing anything else to the car, just having it because the buyer thinks it looks better when its doing hee haw for the cars performance.

If you think it looks good buy it, but dont expect it to change anything as a stand-alone.

Unusual, don't you think that no one offers products that shroud the sides and bottom of the rad ? Curious that they are all very Gucci and only for the bit people see...............

The physics of sealing it all up and forcing the air where it needs to go are clear, but don't kid yourself with this 'Snakeoil'

Edited August 20, 2009 by John Stevenson

[fai17]

Snakeoil?

You've a very good point regards sides and bottom of the rad.

Does that mean it's for bling only with very little gain.I've noticed that on newage rad there is foam of the sides to fill in the gap in the sides.Don't know if the classic set up has that.

[RS Grant]

Click for Snake Oil

Cheers,

Grant

[arch]

The air will take the path of least resistance, the top panel will re-direct a small amount of air that may otherwise have escaped but as John says the losses around the sides and bottome make it almost worthless on its own other than as a cosmetic item

[Richie Cross]

Click for Snake Oil

Cheers,

Grant

Everyday's a schoolday!

[fai17]

Everyday's a schoolday!

Agreed

[ANDYJDMSTI]

I know the Zerosports panel i got afew years back came with the foam strips to seal the sides and bottom of the radiator.

You get what you pay for i suppose and probably not every manufacturer will include these.