Do I need to replace my engine shroud?
 

I have a 72t w/MFI. The fan/engine shroud is broken off at both corners (about twice the size of a tortilla chip and right at the fan side of the engine). It leaves the cylinder heads exposed a bit. My mechanic feels pretty strongly that it should be replaced so that the heads get the proper cooling. I do DEs and plan to club race so heat can be an issue. Are the missing corners really a big deal?

Also, how tough is it to replace a fan shroud. Sounds as if all the mfi stuff has to come off. The mech figures 4 hours.

I ask this stuff not because I doubt the mechanic. It's just that he's a perfectionist and this car ain't perfect. Also, I ask about removing the shroud because I wouldn't mind dyi to gain experience.

TIA

You should cover those holes. If you want to take the cheap way out you could just duct tape some tin over the holes.

Definately replace the shroud. The fan is pushing a HUGE amount of air at high RPM, and it is crucial that all that air flow over the cylinders and heads (most important) for proper cooling and engine longevity. Twice the size of a tortilla sounds like a big piece to be missing.

Damon of Series900 makes new shrouds all all sorts of colors and configurations (the amber is very cool looking) at reasonble prices, if you decide to buy new. He is a member of the BBS.

I was just reading a thread on shrouds, with some pics of Damon's stuff included. It is here.

Thanks for the help! I will have the shroud replaced. I was toying with doing it myself, but the car is new to me so I'll have the mechanic do it and make sure the rest of the car is as it should be while he's in there. $$$:eek:

Oddly enough, I saw the thread on shrouds after posting. I would definitely get one from Damon, but my mechanic has a really nice, original yellow mfi one for $125.

SmileWavy

Bob,

It sounds to me like the shroud could be repaired ... take some 0.031" PC board fiberglass, trim it to fit, cut some fiberglass cloth to cover the junction with 1.5" of overlap, apply 5-minute epoxy to tack everything together, and apply regular epoxy resin to finish off the patch. Clean & repaint to suit your taste.

Yes, the MFI all has to come off ... but, it is a good excuse to clean everything up! Call it a weekend project.

The $285 or $125 alternative sounds nice enough, but you have to ask why?

Thanks Warren. That's a fine idea. I like it.

But what will I do with the $600 I saved?;)

Bob,

I am sure you can put $600 worth of gasoline to use ... perhaps by the end of the year!

You should repair it a.s.a.p. Repaired mine with some epoxy and glass fibers. After a new coat of paint it looks like new. Of course a good used on will also do the trick.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1146793711.jpg