I recently picked up a mishimoto radiator and fans for my 2g DSM. I went ahead and made a shroud out of aluminum. It is very rough, but would like to hear what you guys have to say. Im curious to see if the way i have it made will help or actually hurt my cooling system. thanks for any input

You need to close off the sides. Without the sides closed off, the fans will be drawing air from the sides, instead of through the radiator core. Typically having the space that you built in is a very good thing. When you mount the fan right to the radiator, there is a dead space at the center of rotation of the fan.

that was one of my concerns i didnt know if closing the sides off was right or wrong. I can weld something up to seal it up. then you think it will function pretty good?

It should function great. Anytime the packaging of your car allows a shroud should be used. You are able to draw air through the whole radiator core instead of just where the fans are mounted.

first couple of posters a dead on... you must close in the sides to take full advantage of the fans.

I have a similar setup on my car.

I agree, even if it's some kind of weather stripping. Just may sure it can't work loose and get into the fan.