Rock vs Radiator - Page 4

Stephen12ZL1 · 05-22-2017, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trident

I'll see how I like it after a couple of days.

just put a layer on the top half and it will blend just fine.

USP45 · 05-31-2017, 07:39 PM

So here is my solution until a company makes a 3d printed insert..

I used 6"x20' roll of gutter guard that I picked up at Lowe's for under $4. Instead of attaching to front grill, I used a 3/16 drill bit, reached in through the corner cooling ducts, and hand drilled three holes in the front of each each brake duct. They are just plastic, and while it took a minute to hand drill each one just holding the bit in my hand, it did work. Only a few cut fingers...

Anyways, the mesh stretches from duct to duct and should help block any major objects from reaching the radiators. As it is a plastic mesh I would think a larger rock would break it, but I think it would at least slow it down enough as to maybe save the cooling element itself. And should be effective at stopping bees, wasps, dragon flys etc. Again, once the aftermarket makes a 3d form fitted mesh then I will do that, but the intercooler on my Evo was beaten senseless and I do not feel like another 4+ hours session with a pair of tweezers straightening fins. I don't *think* it should impede airflow too bad, and if you look at the cooler on each side opening GM put their own mesh over those coolers. Kind of makes me wonder why they didn't do the same over the center cooler?

Pics attached....

USP45 · 05-31-2017, 07:41 PM

End result is that the mesh is nicely tucked away, hard to notice, and no obvious zip ties.

Infern0 · 06-01-2017, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USP45

End result is that the mesh is nicely tucked away, hard to notice, and no obvious zip ties.

Nicely done!

JB'sZL1 · 06-02-2017, 06:09 AM

Nice job USP.

For anyone else considering this for their Z, jfyi black vinyl or black pvc coated metal hardware cloth is widely available in 24" widths. Using a wider roll you could cover the entire grill area in one pass.

LtColumbo · 07-23-2017, 05:01 PM

Can you get access through the bottom of the car, or by removing the top radiator cover? I want to put something in there to protect the A/C condenser, etc. (On my Fusion, the bumper has to come completely off, so that one is on the back burner for now.)

LtColumbo · 07-25-2017, 11:17 AM

I see easy access, top and bottom.

Using the gutter guard, will the tiny stones still get through to the cooling fins? I would think they do.

I have window screen on my Grand Marquis and never had an issue with overheating, AC problems, or getting plugged with bugs.

Sven59 · 07-25-2017, 12:37 PM

This engine already has a history of heat issues, reducing the cooling area won't help.

Infern0 · 07-25-2017, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sven59

This engine already has a history of heat issues, reducing the cooling area won't help.

The engine while in a 2017+ ZL1 has that history? Or just the engine in general? Doesn't seem like an objective statement.

Sven59 · 07-25-2017, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infern0

The engine while in a 2017+ ZL1 has that history? Or just the engine in general? Doesn't seem like an objective statement.

Not in the Z, but in the Vettes. that's why they put added cooling in the ZL1. I have seen some guys talking about heat soak at the strip.

Skylane765 · 07-31-2017, 11:29 AM

WE are right now making a screen to protect from the rocks hitting the fins. Pics and in stock soon for the ZL1 1LE and other Camaro's. It will be made some what just like the side screens but black stainless steel with frame .

bobby35ny · 07-31-2017, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylane765

WE are right now making a screen to protect from the rocks hitting the fins. Pics and in stock soon for the ZL1 1LE and other Camaro's. It will be made some what just like the side screens but black stainless steel with frame .

+1

05-31-2017, 07:39 PM	#44
USP45 Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: McKinney TX Posts: 334	So here is my solution until a company makes a 3d printed insert.. I used 6"x20' roll of gutter guard that I picked up at Lowe's for under $4. Instead of attaching to front grill, I used a 3/16 drill bit, reached in through the corner cooling ducts, and hand drilled three holes in the front of each each brake duct. They are just plastic, and while it took a minute to hand drill each one just holding the bit in my hand, it did work. Only a few cut fingers... Anyways, the mesh stretches from duct to duct and should help block any major objects from reaching the radiators. As it is a plastic mesh I would think a larger rock would break it, but I think it would at least slow it down enough as to maybe save the cooling element itself. And should be effective at stopping bees, wasps, dragon flys etc. Again, once the aftermarket makes a 3d form fitted mesh then I will do that, but the intercooler on my Evo was beaten senseless and I do not feel like another 4+ hours session with a pair of tweezers straightening fins. I don't think it should impede airflow too bad, and if you look at the cooler on each side opening GM put their own mesh over those coolers. Kind of makes me wonder why they didn't do the same over the center cooler? Pics attached.... Attached Images

05-31-2017, 07:41 PM	#45
USP45 Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: McKinney TX Posts: 334	End result is that the mesh is nicely tucked away, hard to notice, and no obvious zip ties. Attached Images

07-25-2017, 12:37 PM	#50
Sven59 HAMMER PILOT Drives: 13 ZL1#182, 85 CJ7, 16 Silverado Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 4,386	This engine already has a history of heat issues, reducing the cooling area won't help. __________________ "DO YOU WANT ME TO PUT THE HAMMER DOWN?"

06-02-2017, 06:09 AM	#47
JB'sZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 and 2019 Ram Laramie Join Date: May 2017 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 1,259	Nice job USP. For anyone else considering this for their Z, jfyi black vinyl or black pvc coated metal hardware cloth is widely available in 24" widths. Using a wider roll you could cover the entire grill area in one pass.

07-23-2017, 05:01 PM	#48
LtColumbo Drives: 2017 1LT RS V6 A8, 2020 Fusion Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 116	Can you get access through the bottom of the car, or by removing the top radiator cover? I want to put something in there to protect the A/C condenser, etc. (On my Fusion, the bumper has to come completely off, so that one is on the back burner for now.)

07-25-2017, 11:17 AM	#49
LtColumbo Drives: 2017 1LT RS V6 A8, 2020 Fusion Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 116	I see easy access, top and bottom. Using the gutter guard, will the tiny stones still get through to the cooling fins? I would think they do. I have window screen on my Grand Marquis and never had an issue with overheating, AC problems, or getting plugged with bugs.

07-31-2017, 11:29 AM	#53
Skylane765 Drives: ZL1-1LE, Z/28 Join Date: May 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,262 View My Garage	WE are right now making a screen to protect from the rocks hitting the fins. Pics and in stock soon for the ZL1 1LE and other Camaro's. It will be made some what just like the side screens but black stainless steel with frame .

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