OK, I have a question regarding the OEM Grille itself. I know that the grill has a large upper area that is blanked off from behind. Why is this? Would not our cars benefit from increased air for cooling if this was all open? Were they just trying to cover up the white styrofoam piece? Would there be a problem in having this all open?

discuss

 

You're on the right track

 

Keeping the top of the grill closed is a cosmetic thing.

The white styrofoam is part of the bumper structure. If you wanted to remove that you could open up more of the grill but I don't think it would help much because right behind the foam is a steel crossmember.

 

Last time I had the bumper off, I left the styrofoam piece off, so the cross member will show, but it is painted. I think I am going to get a grille and see what I can do to it.

 

Did taking off the styrofoam block do anything? Like the bumper would dent in or something... I've always wondered about the grill too

 

Just be happy that you don't need a front plate.

 

My front plate is sitting on the floor behind my drivers seat The styrofoam is to help absord impact energy in a wreck. Does not look like it would help much in a head on. The bumper does not rest in it anywhere, so removing it has not altered the shape of the bumper.

 

I would be concerned about removing the styrofoam. If you have a collision involving the front end and your insurance company notices that it was not there, you could have a hassle from them about paying for repairs. Not to say they would refuse to pay, but they might. Besides, I don't see any benefit from removing the styrofoam, so why not leave it in place?

 

I'll most likely put it back next week when I remove the bumper to install my Revi Ram Duct. I think I will spray paint it flat black though. That way, if I modify my grille it will not show as this big white thing.

 

I'd be interested in seeing the original grill dremeled out.

 

^me too

 

I doubt it would really assist in any accident that could potentially dent in the metal piece behind it. However, I am certain that it would decrease the chances of the front airbags from inadvertantly in a very low-speed impact. The foam would cushion that a bit.

I left my foam off when I installed my custum grill, and have been considering painting it black and reinstalling it ever since. I won't take my whole front end off just for that, though. Need another reason...

 

Any pics?

 

carfule...

the foam is the 5mph impact Zone.. Feds want it there...
next.. if you paint it be extra carfull cause normal Spray paint will dissolve most kinds of Foam..
so test it first..

 

http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...001-1116488000
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1118051141
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1121218246

3 reasons

 

Matt, can you get a price on a grille?

 

Yep, those are three good reasons! :D

 

Here ya go. Have painted it much darker since. You can see the bumper through the grill, even though it is painted. Maybe I'll paint it darker, too. There would not be any airflow obstruction to the radiator with the REVi setup. Hmmm... Gotta convince the wife, though.

 

Nice job on the grill work! I gotta do something like that.

 

I know first hand the foam does not prevent any damage to the vehicle from a front end hit.

 

The styrofoam is there for a reason - 5mph protection. If you're going to paint it. Put a coat of primer on it first. That way the solvent from the paint won't eat up the styrofoam and it helps the paint to stick.

 

http://www.decoart.com/cgi-bin/Produ...o_Paint_Sprays This paint work on styrofoam. but I dunno about whether it able to sustain high heat?

 

so by removing the foam... will this cause any damage to my 8? or should i just leave it in?

 

What would be the reason for removing it? You can't see it, it weighs practically nothing, and it can provide a bit more protection during a low speed collision. Think about it.

 

The foam is back in my car - unpainted. It is required for the mounting of the Racing Beat REVi Cold Air Intake Duct.