omnislashx82

Ok guys this sounds really stupid but I am at a loss here.

Is a radiator cover more than just a BS cosmetic upgrade, or very close to cosmetic rather than having an actual performance value to it?

If this is a viable airflow and cooling enhancing part... whos here making them as a DIY type project? I know people cant be paying the $100+ price tag for a simple home made metal flap especially when I see the lengths they go to to fab up things.

I have been thinking about going to home depot and grabbing some cheap metal and mocking up some cardboard or paper to make a template. I figure that would be an easy way to transfer my idea to metal. I would be using a small vice and mostly hand tools to fab it up so it may suck, if its even worth it.

I do have plenty of other stuff I can do thats probably a better use of my time but Im installing a koyorad 37mm radiator as soon as it shows up in the mail so I thought I would maybe attempt this at the same time.

Any thoughts/advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

all this text and you haven't just gone and made it yet?

Seefo

iTrader: (5)

what the **** is this thread about? radiator cooler cover? you have a cooler for your radiator? are you talking about a fan shroud? or radiator ducting?

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

he's just talking to himself about making a plate that covers the gaps between the fascia and rad, instead of just going out and doing it like the rest of us would and then posting pictures of our accomplishments for internet glory.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

The filler piece between the top of the bumper cover and the radiator support? Yes, it is functional. The fine folks at Mazda weren't known for going to the expense of building parts for no good reason.

mlev

iTrader: (5)

It's functional. It helps to keep the air where it is supposed to go.

Without it, the air goes up and over the radiator/IC instead of through them like it should.

I imagine a DIY job will work just fine.

omnislashx82

thanks for the info mlev, I have the oem piece and I was curious as to if the aftermarket ones were really any better. I didnt want to waste time and energy on something if it offered no real airflow difference.

I used the search and I wish there were some pictures of accomplishments about this stupid piece so I didnt have to ask dumb questions about the validity of it being worth a few hours time and a few dollars.

sixshooter I wasnt talking about the stock piece that mazda chose to put there, I mean the aftermarket ones that companies sell for over a hundred bux (that look nice and fancy) when just about anyone could make one for $20.

mlev

iTrader: (5)

No problem! I am pulling this straight out of my *** right now, but I *believe* aftermarket ones are available not only for aesthetics but also because the oem one may not work very well once you have tipped back/lowered the radiator to make room for the intercooler, it may not work with an over the top radiator setup, it may not work with aftermarket radiators, etc. Etc.

omnislashx82

ok that makes more sense, I did see some people talking about getting foam insulation to replace the foam crap that blocks the gap on the oem setup but it burns off I guess lol.

I can see replacing the foam for a metal flap, I didnt think I had any cooling issues (until it squirted out the side of my radiator) but it was original and I am at 167k so it had to go sometime.

I will probably fab one up and try to make it super nice then I can get some of that glory people talk about haha

mlev

iTrader: (5)

Never underestimate the extravagent spending of the middle-aged armchair mechanic who doesn't feel like taking the DIY approach.

Also, some people consider their time worth the $50 extra it would take to buy instead of fabricate.

Personally, when I get to this point, I'll be fabbing something.

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

Is that piece even required if you properly duct the radiator?

omnislashx82

See im not sure, I wont be taking the huge amount of time to duct the whole underside of the thing in metal but I also have all the oem plastic attached. I know some people cant fit it back on after an intercooler upgrade install but mine all goes back on.

For me the radiator wont be tilted, it should go right in place of the oem unit, I did tilt the a/c unit by mounting it in front of the oem tabs it sits on to begin with and making some room for the high side a/c coolant line so it doesnt bump any metal.

I moved the power steering cooler hardline since the PO decided it didnt even need to be bolted back up or anything. I also had to maneuver the intercooler slightly forward since it was rubbing on my high pressure side a/c line before I moved the whole a/c assembly forward.

I just keep having issues from the PO sucking at life and I cant drive the car since I am constantly fixing it.

Seefo

iTrader: (5)

no its not.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Depends on what you do.

omnislashx82

I just generally drive like an ******* haha.

I do want to do some autocross and maybe try some drifting but not anything crazy. I just have ocd and every time I fix something on this car another wonderful part needs replacing.

For example I wanted to simply rebuild the shifter, after getting the wrong parts from the dealer three times when I pulled the shifter out it was bent. The day after I got it taken care of, the radiator starts squirting. While its up on stands I get to see how the PO didnt bolt **** back together after the intercooler install.

More goodness when I see I probably have a leaking rear main seal (probably what is making my brand new act clutch slip) so I reach under after cleaning the underside of the car up and take a picture with my phone to see if its clean further up.

I happen to notice that in the pic I snapped there is a missing nut on my downpipe and ive got an exhaust leak there, of course the stud is snapped off inside there so I am guessing I have to take it to an exhaust shop to have it taken care of. I suppose it could be worse and I am still loving the minimal amount of driving it I have been able to do

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

I'm confused by this question as I've always viewed this cover as part of properly ducting the radiator. Maybe it's not as critical as the bottom or sides but still part of the system.

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

But if you go straight from the mouth to the radiator, IE completely seal the radiator to the mouth, there's no real air flow to block with the top piece.

Tekel

iTrader: (2)

Tldr

Not $100. Moss has them for $35 with free shipping right now.

omnislashx82

No not the nose panel only im talking about one of these,

Beatrush Radiator Cooling Panel- Miata (NB) for Miata 1999-2005

the 35 dollar piece is just the front portion that covers very little to nothing.

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

Ah, I see what you're saying now.

Those are for NAs, OP has an NB.