Sealing the areas around the radiator

[Daox]

I touched on this idea a while back in my Paseo build thread. I took some foam pipe insulation and filled the gaps around the frame and radiator as shown below.


Before



After




Before


After



However, I honestly don't think this helps very much since there are much larger holes elsewhere where air can bypass the radiator. For example, there is a gap around each headlight hole. So, the idea behind this thread is, how can we effectively block off the other areas, or duct air to the radiator to eliminate air leakage around it?

[i_am_socket]

I was thinking coroplast for the large areas and basic duct shape from the inlet.

[Istas]

Yeah, coroplast seems to be a popular material for this kind of job. Also, perhaps some expanding spray foam? Though I imagine that would be a pain to clear out if a repair needed to be made. Also need to keep in mind the heat from the radiator, I don't know how the foam would react.

[lunarhighway]

one thing to keep in mid is where your engine picks up it's air... it could be an area direcly or indireclty fed air by an "air leak" around the rad.

i found in a grillblock experiment that fe can suffer is the airflow to the engine is restricted even if aero is improved.

just mention it so you can look at the big picture.

[chipX]

Now block the big gap where the bonnet catch goes, to see a bigger difference ?
Just like these "cooling plates " do

[stevey_frac]

... I can't tell the difference in the first two shots. Great idea to do this though. The more air you have going over the radio, the less you you need to let through the openings in the front.

[vtec-e]

Originally Posted by stevey_frac

... I can't tell the difference in the first two shots. Great idea to do this though. The more air you have going over the radio, the less you you need to let through the openings in the front.

My thoughts exactly. It allows for a smaller opening in your grille block therefore better aerodynamics. Mind you Stevie, my radio is mostly off so i could block it up completely!

ollie

[stevey_frac]

Originally Posted by vtec-e

My thoughts exactly. It allows for a smaller opening in your grille block therefore better aerodynamics. Mind you Stevie, my radio is mostly off so i could block it up completely!

ollie

If your radio contributes that much to drag, Might i suggest getting it repaired?

[vtec-e]

Kachow!!

[stevey_frac]

Ooo.. Found the seal in Picture 2. On top of the radiator. Goodness, I need to get glasses.