Saved by the Grill Protector
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 13,180
Likes: 10,528
I don’t think the side inlet guards are necessary, although I do have grill guards all the way across the front condensers. There is already a factory grill/protective screen in front of the fans deep in the inlets. The inlets should be inspected for debris occasionally, I have pulled one candy bar wrapper out of the side inlet. When I am forced to drive over paper or plastic bags I do try to check my rear view mirror to see that they appear behind me, if not, I check the front and the side inlets at my next stop. Usually they are clean, but it’s worth checking.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 13,180
Likes: 10,528
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,767
Likes: 2,968
From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 461
Likes: 328
From: PDX
There's no NEED, other than cosmetic, and once you drive the car away, GM and the Engineers don't care about cosmetic damage.
That being said, I put guards on mine because they look better and reduce damage.
Yes, it's an option now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 5,812
Likes: 8,303
From: Dove Mountain, AZ
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Last edited by tadda; Feb 6, 2023 at 07:48 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 32
From: Augusta MO
Front - end pics.
I purchased these off e-Bay + spray can of AY from the dealer for $15. I wanted to make the OEM hex grills stand out more.
They are the screw-in\double sided tape versions, so no T-ties. Paragon knock-offs I guess?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
Personally, I think you would have smashed several fins on the condenser but I doubt it would have cracked/broken a cooling coil. You would have lost a very insignificant amount of cooling capacity and maybe been able to straighten the smashed fins with a comb (doubtful but never know). Aluminum is delicate but we aren't talking rice paper delicate. So long as you aren't eating a daily breakfast of rocks like that, I'd be more worried about your paint than the condenser.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,227
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
Personally, I think you would have smashed several fins on the condenser but I doubt it would have cracked/broken a cooling coil. You would have lost a very insignificant amount of cooling capacity and maybe been able to straighten the smashed fins with a comb (doubtful but never know). Aluminum is delicate but we aren't talking rice paper delicate. So long as you aren't eating a daily breakfast of rocks like that, I'd be more worried about your paint than the condenser.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 5,812
Likes: 8,303
From: Dove Mountain, AZ
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Location has a lot to do with it too. Here in Arizona, there is so much construction going on everywhere, the streets and highways are loaded with dump trucks, cement trucks, and gardeners pulling trailers full of debris that are flying out of their trailers all the time....like a war zone. Broken windshields are almost a given no matter how careful you are.
I try avoid driving on the 10 as much as possible...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 32
From: Augusta MO
Not sure what Museum Delivery charges to install them but these are now an option on the 2023 builder for $495! IMO they look almost the same shape \ quality as mine which were $80 for the set on eBay + about an hour for a relatively simple self- install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 1,898
From: Not too far from MacMulkin
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I don’t think the side inlet guards are necessary, although I do have grill guards all the way across the front condensers. There is already a factory grill/protective screen in front of the fans deep in the inlets. The inlets should be inspected for debris occasionally, I have pulled one candy bar wrapper out of the side inlet. When I am forced to drive over paper or plastic bags I do try to check my rear view mirror to see that they appear behind me, if not, I check the front and the side inlets at my next stop. Usually they are clean, but it’s worth checking.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 1,244
From: Central Texas
St. Jude Donor '21
Yup, the picture I posted of my side inlet is a non Z51. If I had a radiator in there like the Z51 or Z06 I might consider the side inlet screens. The fact that I have only had 1 small piece of paper in there in 12,000 miles still makes me wonder, even with radiators, would screens be necessary? Lots of you have the Z51 package, is anyone seeing damage to the cooling fins on the radiator in the passenger side inlet?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 127
Likes: 92
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,840
Likes: 10,252
From: Garden Valley CA
Yup, the picture I posted of my side inlet is a non Z51. If I had a radiator in there like the Z51 or Z06 I might consider the side inlet screens. The fact that I have only had 1 small piece of paper in there in 12,000 miles still makes me wonder, even with radiators, would screens be necessary? Lots of you have the Z51 package, is anyone seeing damage to the cooling fins on the radiator in the passenger side inlet?
I don't think there is a need for side inlet screen unless you want the asthetics.