swiss scooby

Is it OK to remove the 2 metal plates while keeping the original mesh in place? I am a little bit afraid of rain could harm the battery + other motor parts. Me and some friends would be happy for any experience or concerns. Usually the cars are parked in parkinglots when not used (rather seldom).
Cheers+thanks!
Danny

pslewis

I'm sure Subaru would have saved £1 if they could do without the plates. If they think they need to be there then I would leave them be - have you heard any cooling problems with Impreza's?

Pete

MAFFA

I personally know a lot of people that have removed them. The only reason I can see that them being removed would cause a problem is ifyou have a cold air induction kit. Rain pouring through onto it is not a wise idea.

MAFFA

Neanderthal

iTrader: (6)

Hold on!

Reading this thread, it seems to me that I shouldn't be able to see through the 2 bonnet grill apertures? I can see the battery on the right and the air box on the left.
Having only had htis MY97 (my first Subaru) I just assumed it was meant to be like this? Especially since the whole car is completely standard except for a quick shift.

The car is kept in a garage at night and a car park (tiny company out in the sticks) during the day. With winter coming and the weather bound to get worse I'm now worried this could have some detremental effects to the car?

As it is now (and for the 3 weeks I've owned it) it has always started first time and I've never had over heating problems. The temp needle just stays halfway once the engine has warmed up.

Somebody PLEASE put my mind at rest!!
Also, where can I get some replacements if I need them?

Matt

[This message has been edited by Neanderthal (edited 29 September 2001).]

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Matt,

I previously had a MY97 car, and I'm afriad it should have blanking panels. You should be able to get replacements from a Subaru dealer or from a breakers yard.

You have a couple of options:

1) Remove the panels during the summer months,a nd replace them for the rest of the year.

2) Get bonnet scoops for the grills, either like my MRT one, or ones from Stuart Knight (either driver side, or a pair). These have the advantage that when you are parked up, rain will not fall straight into the engine bay.

3) You can put some washer or bolts between the grill and the blanking panel to allow air flow.

Neanderthal

iTrader: (6)

Cheers for the quick response Andy.

I'm just perplexed that the previous owner had taken them off. I've also discovered he had the wrong size tyres on the standard 15" wheels (I've since put the correct size on).

It just seems a strange thing to do.

I'll check with my local Subaru garage and see how much they want to sting me for a new set. I'll also post a request in the "wanted" section.

Matt

Stuart Knight

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the plug Andy, if anybody wants to have a look there are some pics at

pslewis

Matt

There are a pair being thrown away in Switzerland - postage paid may get them?

Pete

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

MRT can only do the drivers on later (MY97-00) cars.

Stuart can supply scoops for all cars (MY93-00) and can do both sides!

Here's a piccie of Stuart's handywork!



Hope this helps
Andy

swiss scooby

Thanks for the replies!
Andy's suggestion on placing washers between the grills and the plates seems the way to go (for me). I will place them back on tomorrow (with washers). Anyway, I was very impressed of the amount of hot air coming through the grills without the plates.
@ pslewis + Matt,
Sorry, no spare plates over here in Switzerland!
@ Stuart Knight,
Well done, you might get an order from me in the near future!
Cheers
Danny

TopCat

Yeah Fat scoops Stuart my temps dont have never hit 120!! yet anyway! the scoops do the job well!

I have fitted mesh in the mouths off the scoops from the inside this breaks the water down even more so when on the move/impact with the rain, also stops folk from seeing inside (you could see the maf and battery connections before.

Stuart you can take some pics at the rolling road day know I have the fmic fitted etc.

Moe