DarkLight
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2016
- Threads
- 13
- Messages
- 606
- Reaction score
- 563
- Location
- LA
- Vehicle(s)
- Civic-2016 LX 6MT
- Thread starter
- #1
When it comes to increasing the cooling efficiency of a radiator, it is necessary to seal all of its’ edges along the intake path to prevent air from leaking, or moving around, the cooling fins.
Doing so effectively increases cooling efficiency, reduces lift, and makes the car more aerodynamic. I did this so I could install a partial grill block for even better aero without affecting the cooling capability on my 2.0, but this will be beneficial for the 1.5T guys as well.
The stock grill flows fairly well and has somewhat of a seal on the bottom and sides, but is extremely lacking on the top of the radiator, where a large gap exists.
Additionally, aftermarket cooling plates are nothing more than underhood bling and do not provide a seal in any form. This DIY goes over a cost-effective method of sealing the top of the radiator to provide better cooling. A side effect of this mod is increased efficiency of the AC system as well.
Supplies needed:
-12x36” ABS plastic 1/8” thickness
- Double sided foam/sealing tape
- zip ties
- drill
-knife
-reciprocating saw
Measurements don’t need to be exact. I just eyeballed the contour of the bumper, marked it, and cut it to shape.
The seal is what’s important, so foam/tape should be placed where the plate meets the top of the radiator and front bumper support.
Now, I should mention that I removed my bumper for demonstration purposes, but that is NOT necessary to fabricate and install this piece.
I secured the piece by using zip ties on the radiator support brackets and hood release mechanism. I used a 3/8” bit to drill the holes, but a knife/dremel will work too.
This piece fits under the stock radiator shroud and does not require any modification of the bumper or related components. It does not interfere with the stock hood latch mechanism either.
Total cost was under $20.
I installed this piece last year and even with a partial grill block, it never budged above 190* in south MS/LA summer heat. I’ll be putting it to the test again this summer when I drive through the Sonoran desert.
Doing so effectively increases cooling efficiency, reduces lift, and makes the car more aerodynamic. I did this so I could install a partial grill block for even better aero without affecting the cooling capability on my 2.0, but this will be beneficial for the 1.5T guys as well.
The stock grill flows fairly well and has somewhat of a seal on the bottom and sides, but is extremely lacking on the top of the radiator, where a large gap exists.
Additionally, aftermarket cooling plates are nothing more than underhood bling and do not provide a seal in any form. This DIY goes over a cost-effective method of sealing the top of the radiator to provide better cooling. A side effect of this mod is increased efficiency of the AC system as well.
Supplies needed:
-12x36” ABS plastic 1/8” thickness
- Double sided foam/sealing tape
- zip ties
- drill
-knife
-reciprocating saw
Measurements don’t need to be exact. I just eyeballed the contour of the bumper, marked it, and cut it to shape.
The seal is what’s important, so foam/tape should be placed where the plate meets the top of the radiator and front bumper support.
Now, I should mention that I removed my bumper for demonstration purposes, but that is NOT necessary to fabricate and install this piece.
I secured the piece by using zip ties on the radiator support brackets and hood release mechanism. I used a 3/8” bit to drill the holes, but a knife/dremel will work too.
This piece fits under the stock radiator shroud and does not require any modification of the bumper or related components. It does not interfere with the stock hood latch mechanism either.
Total cost was under $20.
I installed this piece last year and even with a partial grill block, it never budged above 190* in south MS/LA summer heat. I’ll be putting it to the test again this summer when I drive through the Sonoran desert.