bumper insert to protect intercooler on EB
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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bumper insert to protect intercooler on EB
we just traded off my wifes '07 for a '12 FX4 with an eco boost and was wondering if everyone is putting on those bumper inserts that protect the IC from debris? A friend of mine that has the EB has one on his and says to get one on right away because if you damage the IC you will ruin the turbos.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Washington State
I have looked at mine and it looks really well built, I suspect it would take a really good hit to do anything to it. Also if you put a screen in front of it you are also reducing the airflow over the fins which will reduce your cooler efficiency. this will result in lower engine out put as the intake charge will be hotter. How much, not sure, but to me not worth it. YMMV Steven
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I don't think you'd damage the Turbos. The grill is not needed, but some like it for the looks. It will reduce airflow (by around 30% or more according to measurements in other threads), but nobody is really 100% sure of the impact of that, or the lack thereof. I skip it, have never heard of an intercooler failure because of the lack of a grill in there.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I had one and it fell apart, cheapo from the factory. I removed it and never put another on. I didn't see any indication on my lower aftermarket insert grill that the IC was in any immediate danger of road debris.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Pacific NW
Just for reference, the import racers out there that own Mitsubishi Eclipses, Toyota Supras, Lancer Evolutions and Subaru STi's with an FMIC upgrade have been running their cars with the intercoolers mostly exposed out the front for years. You'd have to have a pretty seriously large rock to get through and cause damage to the intercooler. Chances are, you're just going to bend fins and put a few dents into it. So unless you're driving in an area where you're prone to having lots of rocks and large objects go through the bumper, I wouldn't worry about it.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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Just for reference, the import racers out there that own Mitsubishi Eclipses, Toyota Supras, Lancer Evolutions and Subaru STi's with an FMIC upgrade have been running their cars with the intercoolers mostly exposed out the front for years. You'd have to have a pretty seriously large rock to get through and cause damage to the intercooler. Chances are, you're just going to bend fins and put a few dents into it. So unless you're driving in an area where you're prone to having lots of rocks and large objects go through the bumper, I wouldn't worry about it.
If people do it for the looks - that's different, but it's not "needed" IMO, as the OP's friend had told him.
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