Dirty Howie

Car is C6Z06

Contemplating running a screen mesh grill on the car.

Will this affect the airflow and cooling of radiator and oil cooler??


DH

geerookie

You bet!
Different wire size, different grid size all contribute or take away from the "open area" available for air to flow through...not to mention the turbulence the wire causes.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#wire-cloth/=fa1a0r

Dirty Howie

Thanks, I don't know what the "open area" value is for the premade grill that is available on this forum. I will go find a picture link.

The OEM grill (egg crate as it is refered to) has no screen but probably 1 inch thick cross members (have to measure) so its possible the "total open area" could be the same ???

I want to cut the stock grill so that I can easily reach in and cover the large oil cooler I will be placing .... for my daily driving. The mesh can be quickly removed and replaced for track days. And if it doesn't flow as good or better than stock grill I can just remove it for the track. Then I will get max flow. The stock grill is only good for keeping out bags and dead animals. It doesn't stop track turds and small rocks like the mesh would so I don't think it would be detrimental to run wide open in the front...............but would like to hear this from someone who KNOWS !!!


DH

geerookie

I run a Stainless 3x3 mesh with .063 wire and have no cooling issues.
I have a dual core Dewitts Rad and a 320rwhp LS1.
My area is about 24"x4" with a sealed plenum to the Rad.

Dirty Howie

Thanks for the specs

The C6Z06 has one large front breather opening. Not sure of the measuremnt but its much larger than 24x4. The coolers are stacked in this order front to back: 1.oil cooler 2.a/c condensor 3.radiator

Do you still get track turds or small rocks, sand impacting into your coolers?


DH

Falcon

Have you ever opened a screen door on a windy day? The wind will rip it out of your hand although it has screen in it.

Dirty Howie

Are you saying that at 155mph the screen will be ripped out

Should I just run with the front wide open??


DH

geerookie

I don't have an AC condensor.

Track turds and rocks no but sand and fine gravel, yes.

geerookie

Those guys in NC are a little........shall we say, different

My suggestion is don't open your door while doing 155mph

My screen is held in with zip ties so it is easy to remove/replace if needed and it gets pounded with track turds. It has never come out but I only get up to about 145mph.

Dirty Howie

Alright, no North/South conflicts

Appreciate all points of view.

I will make sure I keep the screen door locked


DH

davidfarmer

If you curve the shape into the shroud, so that you get greater surface area, you can keep good airflow and keep some of the crud out, however anything will impede flow somewhat.

One of the GM guys (can't remember which) told me they tested many designs to find one that had good flow.

Dirty Howie

I understand.

Is it save to assume that cutting away the OEM egg crate grill can only help and not hinder air flow ???????????????


DH

igo380

Howie paint the thing the color of the car or everyone will give you

Dirty Howie

Jim

I would paint it Black (for Me), I don't care what those other SLOW guys think


DH

MJM

Howie,

Only way to know for sure is wind tunnel testing, which I'm sure GM did.

An affordable 'good enough' substitute is to run a handful of laps noting your temps, remove the screen and immediately do some more laps trying to run the same pace and engine loads.

Matt

Dirty Howie

If I get a screen that is my plan. I have been offered a grill screen at 50% off to do testing with.


DH

MJM

Howie,

I have experience doing aerodynamic testing. For a limited time I will offer my services for free! Let me know when you want me to drive your car.

Matt