airflow to 944 radiator: Sufficient?

[Makenzie71]

For the last couple days I've been working on a valence to fill the gap when you remove the stock bumper and shocks on the 944. At the moment the only thing I have in that gap (when I'm not molding styrofoam into the cavity) are my lights and a section of steel mesh to keep the ****ing grasshoppers and other offensive insects out.

Prior to starting this project my car ran between 195*f and 225*f...even higher if I'm sitting idle. Not exactly a comfortable zone for me. Now, without the bumper there, I'm seeing temps STAY at 180*f and only climb to 195* when sitting idle.

So, I'm wondering, do you guys think that the tiny gap that porsche provided under the bumper to feed the radiator and coolers with air is suffucient? I don't think that it is, and it's a design factor I'll have to put intot he new valence.

[Moneyguy1]

I never thought it was enough when the car is not moving. My wife has an older Passat with the same "grilleless" front end. Out here in AZ, even on a hot day, the temp stays between 190 and 200 "on the road" (55+). In traffic, it approaches 230 and the dealer tells me that is "normal".

If the 1984 944 had the later removable nose piece, I would probably experiment by running a few days with it missing to see the effect on temperature. I have worked on many cars in my time, and my gut feeling is the 944 cooling system is marginal at best.

Anyone done this?

[AllPorsche944]

Gents...I have often wondered the same thing...when I purchased my 88na, I was concerned that the temp seemed a little on the high side at idle...I replaced the water pump, radiator, put in a low temp thermostat and a low temp raditator fan plug, however it did not make much of a diifrence in the temp concerns I had...I have orderd a 924 turbo vented header panel (more for estetics) but I will let you know if this makes a diffrence in operating temp....

[bryanthompson]

You're really going crazy about those grasshoppers... That could turn into a serious condition :P

[Makenzie71]

lots of them here...

[Makenzie71]

Drove 130 miles today, 100 of which was spent well above 90mph. Temps stayed at an even 188*f. Before I was seeing temps of up to 220*f while moving at these speeds. I really got to sya that the rad must get VERY poor air flow.

To me, this PROVES that the 951 bumper to be a performance upgrade...lol.

[dj_yen]

This fiberwerks.com bumper is currently being installed on my car. (Actually going to the today garage to check it out prior to it being painted)



As you can see, the openings on this bumper are HUGE to the radiator. I'm getting my car back in a few weeks so I'll tell if it makes much of a difference.
My car typically runs a little below the halfway mark at highway cruising speeds and will be anywhere between the halfway mark to the three-quarter mark around the city.

[Makenzie71]

How much did that bumper run, DJ, and do you have links to a distributor?

[dj_yen]

Originally posted by Makenzie71
How much did that bumper run, DJ, and do you have links to a distributor?

fiberwerks.com is the maker and distributor.
http://fiberwerks.com/Fiberwerks_944.htm
They sell it for $459.
944online.com is a retailer and sells it for $485.
http://944online.com/newparts.asp
I spoke to the owner of fiberwerks (name is Carl) and he was a really nice guy and who took alot of time with me to talk about the bumper and his company. Took about a month to make and ship to me. If you need it sooner, 944online.com probably has them in stock.
I know $459 ain't cheap but it's the best looking aftermarket bumper I have seen. And though, I probably will get flamed for this, the fact that few people have seen this spoiler, was a big plus for me. (I enjoy being unique)
The fiberwerks front bumper (w/o lip spoiler) and rear bumper is currently being installed on my car. After the paintjob and other work, I will post pics in abt 3 weeks.

[dj_yen]

btw, does anyone know the actual temp. of the 1/2 and 3/4 marks?

[bluebullet]

supposedly its only takes 6-8 degrees to move it to the 3/4 mark. Mine hangs around there sometimes, then the thermostat opens and you see the temp gauge go down and the fans kick on. I think the gauge is pretty accurate and reliable for a factory gauge...some cooler days I dont see the half point of the gauge..the needle hangs around the first mark.

It also depends on how hard I drive the car...stop and go traffic and im letting it rev out there, it will run hot and stay hot...

[rb101]

from the electrical manual deg. in C.