When fitting a strut brace to my car I noticed that the brace, which goes over the back of the intercooler, was very slightly overhanging the core so I lowered the bonnet gently while looking through the scoop to make sure that the rubber seal below it was not getting trapped. I was surprised to see that there was plenty of room so out of curiosity I did a bit of measuring. The core area of the intercooler measures 37cm x 15cm which works out at 555 square centimetres (good coincidence, that ) and the rubber seal is 36cm x 13cm which is 468 square centimetres. This means that as near as dammit 16% of the intercooler is not directly exposed to air flow. Does anybody know of a way to get that 16% back because it must be worthwhile?

 

I have an early bonnet but have upgraded the intercooler and inlet manifold. To gain the air flow I have removed the under bonnet seal. It can be taken off as easily as the vent covers.
I need to think of a replacement, probably mounted on the intercooler.
Hope this helps.