Remove grating above the engine

[stephan]

Hello,

I want remove the grating of my SE, shown in this picture. But I wonder weather if it's necessary for the cooling of the engine when the car goes. It looks like, that with the sloping ribs, the heat can better run off the engine. What do you think? Has anybody done this and what is your experience?
Thank you for your replies.

Stephan
www-lotus-esprit-se.de

[chandrab]

Stephan...I've done exactly what you want to do - replace the grates with a metal mesh. From my experience it seems the grates were purely cosmetic. The black mesh does make it look a lot better, a bit more contemporary.

I only wish Lotus gave us a bigger port into viewing the rest of the motor - like the Ferrari 360 Modena.

-Chandra
91 SE

[stephan]

...From my experience it seems the grates were purely cosmetic...

Chandra,

I think your right. I'm planning to leave out the grating or to replace it with a plexi-glass with round holes.

Stephan

[teigan]

i don't recommend plexiglass. it will discolor right away, and will be a blob to keep clean. louvers made from glass with a thin metal mesh embedded would be ideal. you can modify the original part if unwilling to fabricate from scratch.

[th4neuk]

hi,

I've done 2 different mods here. I've used alloy mesh where the slats were and there has been no difference to the cooling. However on the covr there is the area where the piece of carpet is. I have cut this out and replaced it with some plexi glass. This means youcansee a bit more of the engine. It's not as good as a full plexi cover but better than nothing.

Cheers

Alan Croft
89 Turbo (Chargecooled)

[stephan]

Alan,

Did you made any pictures and can you show them?

Cheers

Stephan

[th4neuk]

Here is a link to a photo of the glass piece which I took when I did the chargecooler install.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/72615175/289126212HQiYVG

I can take one of the mesh if you like??

Cheers

Alan