Found this on eBay. I have never seen these before. Anyone ever used one. Does it REALLY offer anything besides looks?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=43957

 

canīt really see the use of it... If you think you need one or like the look of it you can easily make one yourself and personalize it.

 

Looks Cosmetic to me.
It's a nice touch I think, but I prefer the carbon fiber in the engine.

 

Makes you wonder if the person selling even knows where the radiator is located.

 

it look good i want one! with mi hks siction kit box wel fits good!

 

yeah sure i can put it in my subaru, i am sure my radiator is no where near where they show the example.

 

i had the same piece on my WRX from APR... according to APR that plate actually helps cooling down the radiator as well as keeping the heat from the rad to the intake...

 

WOW, acording to the add it's made out of (Hairline Aluminum).
That means it makes 5 more hp than if it was made out of unabtaniam.
I'M SOLD!!! :D

 

This is why I never saw it listed when I look at ebay for rx-8 stuff.

Listed in category: eBay Motors > Parts & Accessories > Car & Truck Parts > Wheels, Tires & Parts > Wheels > 17''

 

they're mostly JDM bling. useful if you have a cheap fiberglass bumper and need to cover up unfinished molding garbage. it might reflect a little heat back away from the engine, but I can't imagine it being worth it.

 

Cosmetic only. Might look nice, but that's it.

 

I read somewhere that it was designed to enhance airflow to the radiator..... sounds like "ricer-talk" to me.

 

There are alot of 2nd gen RX-7 guys that make those. I don't know why either. They have to remove the stock radiator ducting which actually begins at the bumper mouth and runs to the top of the radiator. The new ones close off this spot with a flat panel that begins behind the top of the bumper and goes to the top of the radiator. With the hood closed this is blocked off anyways. I just can't see how this enhances performance. It should only hurt cooling. It would be different if the mouth of the car were twice as tall.

 

These are also popular in the Evo scene. Unfortunately, no one has any quantifiable proof they do anything other than rob you of money you could use on something else.

 

I have used the shields on previous wankels, it is supposed to improve air flow over radiator and intercooler( I know this does not apply to the 8)by forcing the air to travel thru them and not up thru space between them and engine....think about it in this analogie. Take a four sided box with the ends removed, force air thru box and it can only escape in one direction, however on the flip side if you remove both ends and one side you have provided it with multiple places to exit...just another means to direct air flow where you need it.

 

Adds a small amount of uneccessary weight to your car! Handling -1. :D

 

So does anyone have pics of it fitted in the 8's engine bay?

 

The photos on E-Bay show the part installed. Looks cool but useless.

Charles

 

WTF???? The photo looks like the engine bay of a WRX....... I want to see what it looks like in the 8's engine bay.

 

Go Open the hood of ur car u will see something similar to that thing and if it is useless why would Mazda even make it ?? i know it dose Help in keeping the air inside and the fan not sucking the hot air and blowing it back inside ..

 

Sorry. I looked at it again and didn't realize it was a Subaru. What a fool I am.


Charles

 

are u guys kidding me!! this cover adds a 15 hp increase...

 

riccio
has something like this
It looks real nice

 

APR Radiator Cooling plate

OK here is a Link about this stuff they do make it but no one Really cares for it but i will :D

 

I kinda like JDM Bling. Looks a hell of a lot better than the stock plastic one. For the $50.00, I'll get it. Would add some extra oomph when showing off the engine, hehe