I like this question. Though for whatever it is worth, my 2021 Ridgeline has similar vent styling to the most recent generation of Accord, where the vent from the front pipes air across the front of the tires. So unlike our cars, it's not an opportunity really for air to enter the engine bay...
1 - It is a black mesh filter cover with an elastic collar. Seven bucks, I think, on Amazon.
2 - I slipped it right over the cone after removing the vent cover. Easy, just takes a sec
3 - water won't travel all the way up your intake while you're washing it. Wouldn't worry about that. WOT is...
I can speak to that, anecdotally.
I have all four vents cut, with a PRL CAI. I drive the vehicle very rarely (7k miles, 2018).
I drove through the worst rainstorm of Chesapeake, Va this year in the one day I actually decided to take the car out. Torrential. Freaking awful.
Took a flashlight...
I did for the rear. There is a small screw on the most inboard part of the panel. Can't get to it from underneath.
For the fronts, they pop right off for the most part. Finesse is required
I know what you mean, man. I messed up the very first panel. I applied the heat gun to the front instead of the back without thinking.
Trial and error! Just be slow and methodical
Front and rears done. X-acto knife and heat gun combo. Took forever!
FWIW - I used an electric palm sander on the back of one rear panel. It does the job, but it's debatable which method is more effective.
Have a great weekend, everyone
Took the dive on this. Turned out pretty well. Thanks to @OP for the thread.
Used
-heat gun
-#11 x-acto blades with pen
-belt sander for back side (finishing)
-black spray paint (after cutting, for both the vents and the crash bar behind)
Prep
-removed front vents
-painter's tape over the...
Repainted an old eBay black and silver emblem. Not really old though. Cheap, more like.
I'm okay with the end result. Repainted gray and black with acrylic.
I don't think mods on a non-R are dumb at all!
My opinion - tasteful cosmetic / performance mods. No neon lights, no exterior Tyler parts. I go for more of the "OEM+" style. Mild lowering, subtle wheel spacers, PRL intake, 27won exhaust, ktuner, shifter bushings/spring/knob.
Just keep it...
Hey, thank you kindly.
This isn't the ebay store I used, but I think this may get you the results you're looking for. They have a detailed fitment sheet
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=223758859337&category=42611&pm=1&ds=0&t=1582843132477&cspheader=1
Hey bro. I have been checking, and the only time it has rubbed is when crossing some really messed up railroad tracks. One time in 150 miles.
More pictures... Don't have any of the inside wheel pockets though.
Installed FKX Racing 15mm spacers today. Pardon the salt...it just snowed yesterday.
I had to shave a few millimeters off the lug pockets on the OEM sport wheels. I preferred this over the 20mm spacers, even knowing I'd have to do a bit extra.
It's lowered on H&R Sport springs, but I didn't...