Is removing the covers from the vents a good idea or bad? I have read on another thread that this causes hot spots, can someone explain what this is.

I have seen Morays car with the covers off and I'm sure his car runs OK.

So....to leave them on or rip them off? Surely removing them is better, isnt it all about keeping under bonnet temps to a minimum?

 

Hi Mo,

You can see the columns of hot air rising from my vents when you are stationary in traffic... the vents are doing their job. I made a plastic raingaurd to attach to the driver's side vent to prevent rain induction.

I did some testing of underbonnet temperatures on my last car, and found that they dropped significantly when you run without the blanking plates on.

As you say, it's all about reducing underbonnet temps... and removing the blanking plates hasn't caused any running problems on my car.

Moray

 

I heard recently that another option is to put some washers in behind the bolts to act as a spacer which will let some of the heat escape. As the plates remain this should keep the water off the air induction etc.

Not tried this yet - so can't really comment to how effective it is.

Rich.

 

What stops the rain getting in on the later Vents ??? STI, P1, 22B etc ??

 

Sorry barge, could you please explain your question?

Easy answer springs to mind: the blanking plates!

 

I thought that the later models, P1 etc had open vents, basicaly just an open hole with mesh covering it, I guess not.

 

I have removed both vents and have made a plastic cover to protect the air flow meter and battery. No problems so far and as Moray says you can see and feel the heat that is released.
cheers

 

Hi Moray I have done the same (after seeing your efforts [cheers!]).

I believe it was Sunlip that mentioned the hotspots, does anyone else no what he's on about?

 

I usually run with the vents off when the sun's out, and put them back on when it rains. Bit of a hassle, but what the hell!

From what I can gather removing them reduces underbonnet heat *and* pressure. I.e. the air that comes in through the front grille, and passes over the radiator can then escape up through the vents.

It would then seem sensible to imply that this will improve intercooler efficiency as there is less hot air in the engine bay, and less pressure, making it easier for cool air to flow over the intercooler.

Or maybe I'm talking rubbish!

Intersting to see an Impreza WRC car with the bonnet vents open, and the intercooler scoop blanked off.

Andrew

 

I have removed my blanking plates and the car does seem happier for it in traffic - and you do get a heat haze above the vent in traffic!

I have actually fitted wire mesh under mine to stop leaves, etc falling into the bay. I used fine mash used for car body repairs! works a treat.

Looks pretty cool as well!


James

 

Folks

Good ideas for you - even better for billy burglars who want to get your car. The battery is right below the passenger side vent. and yeh I know most alarms have battery backup but you never know....

The washer idea sounds better to me...

Ids

 

ids,

Haven't we done this before?

If I smashed/cut through the bonnet grill and disconnected my battery lead, the alarm would sound and the vehicle would be immobilised. Fact. I know this because I have checked. I have a Cat One alarm system fitted to my car. If you are not sure, try disconnecting your battery whilst the alarm is armed.

If you are so worried about this you could either try disconnecting your battery for yourself, to put your mind at rest, or simply don't remove the bonnet blanks in the first place.

Moray