FMIC 'protection' advice
 

When I fitted my Hybrid FMIC last may, I fitted a mesh grille in place across the front of it...(This is a mockup from the construction phase...)

http://www.wildsworld.co.uk/fmic/2004_0520_195330AA.JPG

Anyhow, some 'nice' person put a tow-bar into it this morning, then drove off - its broken the number plate, damaged the grill and bent some fins.. :(

I can straighten the fins, but am unsure as to what to replace the grill with .

Any ideas

e.g. Same stuff (exact replacement) or some wider spaced mesh (as it clearly doesn't stop other cars (!)) or leave it off completely...

I'd prefer no mesh - I think it looks better and certainly would make the I/C more effective - but how exposed would it be ? - Anyone with any experiences (maybe where the grill stopped some damage) ?

Thanks,

Mark

IMO do what you did before. If you don't then sods law, you'll get a stone holing it. Mesh must be stopping stuff anyway and keeping the intercooler in better shape than it would otherwise be.

J.

Replace it with an APS FMIC ;)

Thanks Scott :p

I'm more than happy with the Hybrid - My UK car is currently running a TD05FE with 1.5 bar via AVC and PFC (Plus 'other stuff' ;) ) with no problems (at 135000 miles).

Mark

Scott: Why would he want to replace it with an overpriced APS FMIC?

You could run with no mesh as it is a restriction to air flow. A number of people have run for over a year with no mesh and the core is one of the most rugged i have come across, as is the APS. On the other hand the HKS core is soft by comparison and needs protection.

Thanks Harvey - I'll give it a try 'mesh-less' . Means it'll be easier to clean too - what with the weather warming up and all (!?) (I'm sure it will eventually....)

Mark

If it does get split, fix it!! there are metal craft places all over the place.