I told the dealer to leave the front LP holder off, cause there is only 1 temp plate needed here (back) and I wanted to enjoy the great unadorned front look for a short time at least.

So this weekend I was sitting down in front of my new car having some quality time trying to figure the least offensive ( and I think it IS offensive to have to mess the beautiful front look with a stupid plate! ) place for LP holder thingy, and I noticed this GIANT scoop just 8" clearance from the road. It's about 3" high, 41" wide and 17" deep leading to the radiator in the back.

Here in the northeast, we have stuff called snow and slush, and this looks like a perfect place to SCOOP IT UP real quick in bad weather! I'm wondering if a screen of some sort would be helpful? There are only a couple small drain spots toward the back of this cavity that look like they could get easily blocked by debris or ice or stuff, then the whole thing could fill up. If that happens then is overheating what happens next?

Anyone want to take a look and offer thoughts or suggestions. It certainly looks like a problem in-waiting, at least in snow country.

 

Having snow packed in the radiator usually wouldn't lead to overheating issues but it may be an issue with leaves and other road debris.

 

I was wondering about this as well, after seeing the RX-8 in 3-D for the first time, at the local Rev it Up event. It certainly took the front air dam out of contention as a possible accessory.

I wouldn't worry too much about overheating as a result, (wouldn't a hot radiator melt snow and ice?) but general vulnerability to any rocks and other crap on the road could be a concern.

 

so whatd happen if stuff like rocks and leaves got in there?
________
Pornstars German

 

I suppose that could put the hurt on the cooling ability, but I doubt enough stuff to have an effect would accumulate during the course of one drive. Just keep an eye on the grille area after driving in adverse conditions, I guess.

Rocks can be bad news with any car. My '79 RX-7 got a punctured radiator from a rock that flew out of nowhere on the freeway once.

 

do you think damage is likely to occur?
________
Ipad cases

 

Probably not any more likely than with most cars. My WRX for example, takes in a lot of air below the bumper.

I think it depends mostly on that off-chance that a rock or something large and heavy enough to cause damage, just so happens to jump out of its hiding place, while you just happen to be driving by, and directs all its aluminum tube smashing force squarely at your...licence plate! good thing you decided to put that thing on! (who knows what could happen)

 

Too funny! I just asked the same question earlier today in the Appearance forum and didn't get any responses:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?threadid=7089

 

My Eclipse has a similiar opening right to the Radiator. I had one of those road reflectors fly up into it. Luckily it only dented the radiator fins and didn't puncture them. It very well could have though.
As for the snow that would probably help cool it wouldn't you think?

 

what if the plate wasnt there......

stuff about this car is starting to bum me out.....
________
CHEVROLET CORVETTE

 

I had a good look at this too. The narrow openning, deep recess, and slight upward tilt will make rock hits pretty slim. This design is probably less vulnurable than normal radiator openning. If anything, the the two oil coolers are much more prominent.

 

You guys have some good points. With the exception of the incident I mentioned with my first RX-7, it hasn't been a problem with "bottom breathers" I've owned. Let's hope it isn't gonna be a problem for us in the future.

 

Also pay attention to how low the front scoop is to the ground.

I had 4 of us going to Fat Tuesday's last night, and while parking the curb was only 1/4" from the bottom. I almost tore up my baby!

Be careful out there.

 

The more I think about it I think I'll investigate putting a piece of plastic coated metal screen or heavy plastic screen w/maybe 1/2 in grating width in there to deflect stuff. It should look Ok or be invisible and might actually help.

Thanks for the ideas and good posts.

I love car projects! :D

 

Again, that's what I did for my Celica. Bought a cheap mesh grill (something that you can probably get from Home Depot) and attached it down there.

After I get home from work, I'll post a link to a site that makes custom grills for various cars. IMO, they are too expensive but maybe they will make one for the 8 that doesn't look like it came from Home Depot. lol