Whats this stuff in front of the radiator?

[NJ94Chim]

All,

I am getting around to cleaning up the engine bay, and ran across this unsightly piece of what looks to be old/stiff/dried out foam rubber lodged between the top of the radiator and the car structure.



Looking thru engine bay photos on BAT, most Chimaeras seem to have something shoved into this space.

Did they come from the factory like this?

What purpose does this piece of foam rubber serve?

Any thoughts on what constitutes a suitable type of replacement material?

Thanks!

[gamefreaks]

Mine has this too so I suspect its from the factory.

[Belle427]

I would guess its to aid maximum airflow through the rad.

[BritishTvr450]

Automotive foam. Tvr suppliers used to sell pre cut pieces usually sticky backed but I’m sure you can get it online if all else fails.
It also helps keep air pressure inside engine bay down which stops the bonnet lifting at speed.
Yours is probably original so could be 30 years old by now.

[NJ94Chim]

Thanks for the confirmation….just ordered some off of Amazon.

[Steve_D]

It is there to force all air from forward motion to pass through the rad rather than around it.
It also ensures that, when standing still, warm air in the engine bay is not sucked over and into the front of the rad. reducing the effectiveness of the rad.

Steve