plastic radiator shroud
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
GM calls the shroud a radiator baffle.
Upon removing and replacing the "baffle" a few times while doing CAI installations, I believe the baffle must enclose the engine compartment as much as possible.
Just looks like there could be a heck of a lot of uplift and turbulence under the hood at high speeds if the baffle wasn't in place.
Just my .02
Upon removing and replacing the "baffle" a few times while doing CAI installations, I believe the baffle must enclose the engine compartment as much as possible.
Just looks like there could be a heck of a lot of uplift and turbulence under the hood at high speeds if the baffle wasn't in place.
Just my .02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
I think you can leave it out as well. I do not believe it does anything. Mine is just setting in there with no clips and it never moves or vibrates in the wind. I've only been up to 157 though, it might vibrate at higher speeds. 
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CYA-Vett
I think you can leave it out as well. I do not believe it does anything. Mine is just setting in there with no clips and it never moves or vibrates in the wind. I've only been up to 157 though, it might vibrate at higher speeds.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
The shroud is a pretty important part of the cooling system, it forces the air to flow thru the radiator and coolers. Cutting it for a CAI only allows the aprx. 700CFM at full throttle to bypass the radiator, removing it would allow most of the air to bypass the radiator. Air will always flow to the area of the least resistance.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by haljensen
The shroud is a pretty important part of the cooling system, it forces the air to flow thru the radiator and coolers. Cutting it for a CAI only allows the aprx. 700CFM at full throttle to bypass the radiator, removing it would allow most of the air to bypass the radiator. Air will always flow to the area of the least resistance.
I installed the Vararam snake charmer first and if you're off on your template alignment, (which is easy to do) it leaves a pretty good gap around the edges between the baffle and the filter assembly.
I eventually installed the Honker and there is not gap or seams at all around the filter to baffle seal.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
Originally Posted by Zuntov
I can guarantee you there is a reason for the shroud or GM wouldn't spend the money for it. If they can save a penny, they will.
Originally Posted by haljensen
The shroud is a pretty important part of the cooling system, it forces the air to flow thru the radiator and coolers. Cutting it for a CAI only allows the aprx. 700CFM at full throttle to bypass the radiator, removing it would allow most of the air to bypass the radiator. Air will always flow to the area of the least resistance.
I think it's in there for the same reason as the fuel rail covers..to make everything look pretty.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by CYA-Vett
I see your point but I don't necessarily buy it. There is a rather large fan behind the radiator for the function you speak of since no air flows through while sitting in traffic. Also while you sit in traffic the shroud would be counterproductive since it would retain heat. It might help a little to cool things down while driving, but the car will be fine without it.
I think it's in there for the same reason as the fuel rail covers..to make everything look pretty.
