Front Mount Intercooler and Grill Mesh?

[madman]

I just went through 20 some pages in the gallery looking for pics of FMIC, mainly on a 2g.

I noticed that not very many people install grill mesh in front of the intercooler. Is there a reason for this? Is it just preference of looks? Does it block too much air, reducing the efficiency of the IC?

I'm about to install a FMIC and I would think the the grill might help protect the intercooler from rocks and things off the road, especially on a 2g where the opening is so large.

Any thoughts?

 

[Chadillac2000]

I think its just a preference, I know i run an open fmic, i couldnt imagine having to hide it with mesh. But i guess it would protect it somewhat from larger rocks and whatnot, but most of the things that do damage to it are the very small rocks and such so I couldn't imagine it helping too much. But as far as blocking air I wouldn't imagine 1/8th inch wire mesh could block anything as far as air is concerned.

 

[taikaracing]

I just went through 20 some pages in the gallery looking for pics of FMIC, mainly on a 2g.

I noticed that not very many people install grill mesh in front of the intercooler. Is there a reason for this? Is it just preference of looks? Does it block too much air, reducing the efficiency of the IC?

I'm about to install a FMIC and I would think the the grill might help protect the intercooler from rocks and things off the road, especially on a 2g where the opening is so large.

Any thoughts?

it depends if your looking for looks or performance.the mesh isn't going to stop bugs and other things from keeping it clean or reducing air from hitting it.

 

[project15]

dont use the mesh...why hide your performance. the coolest looking this is a 2gb "growling" at you with silver teeth.

 

[madman]

dont use the mesh...why hide your performance. the coolest looking this is a 2gb "growling" at you with silver teeth.

They would just be teeth with braces.

I just don't want to put on a new shiney piece only to be damaged in a day or two. The IC does look kind hefty though. Do they hold up pretty well before fins start to get bent or damaged.

 

[james13]

As long as you stick with a bar/plate type intercooler they are durable....the tube/fin type are not quite as durable.

 

[GOT 2RBO]

depending on the fmic you are installing, chances are they are pushed all the way to the front of the opening anyway. exactly where did you plan on placing the mesh? it would have to be on the IC side and that itself will touch the IC. so whatever is going to hit that mesh will hit the IC anyway. i've had my fmic for 3 years, no mesh and it's fine... countless bugs on the other hand have been killed.

 

[madman]

depending on the fmic you are installing, chances are they are pushed all the way to the front of the opening anyway. exactly where did you plan on placing the mesh? it would have to be on the IC side and that itself will touch the IC. so whatever is going to hit that mesh will hit the IC anyway. i've had my fmic for 3 years, no mesh and it's fine... countless bugs on the other hand have been killed.

If I would put one on, then it would be in the normal place, on the insed of the front fender/ the opening. That was one of my worries, if there would be any room for the mesh in front of the IC. I've never seen a FMIC up close, so I wasn't sure of the clearance. Last thing I would want is the mesh scratching or scuffing the IC.

It is a bar & plate IC

 

[TURFNNSURF]

Here is my 1g with FMIC and mesh. I live near two well traveled roads by quarry trucks, so loose stones on the road are a concern for me and my FMIC. In all honesty the mesh doesn't really hide all that much, but it has protected the IC.

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[SnoopySLR]

its a matter of preference. A guy around me with a 2g GSX has a black intercooler with black mesh. You can see the intercooler still, and it looks MEAN AS HELL! If you want to keep your intercooler safer, use the mesh.

 

[DSMcamaro]

older thread i know, but i just got my car on the road with my tube and fin FMIC and I really need grill mesh to protect it. big grasshoppers are even bending my fins when they hit!

 

[kozluv]

Grillcraft is your friend, not a single dent/scratch/rock chip mark on mine.

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