Anyone with FMIC try and make some kind of ducting for the radiator? I still have my radiator in the stock location and was thinking about making some kind of ducting for it. So that it draws air from the passenger side where the second oil cooler sits on an R1/R2, and goes in between the IC and radiator. I'd like some feedback on whether this will help cool things down before I fab anything up.

 

We just finished a new belly pan design, it's being tested right now. Pictures and the test results will be posted soon.

 

I had an idea but never did it. I don't know what it's called, but on the race cars it a plastic peice with a triangular hole, then a hose connected to it that cools off the driver.

Well use one of those and route it behind the FMIC but in front of the radiator and force cold air when moving.

 

i know on my greddy FMIC it would be a good idea for me to duct it so that all air going through the IC goes to the radiator next. There is a gap on top where air can pass out after going through the IC. GORACER- your idea, do you mean put a lil duct on the bellypan after the FMIC? I think that could work somewhat. But i'm afraid that could allow air to escape if not fashioned correctly. In the end good ducting and fanmod will erase all cooling issues with an FMIC.

Danny

 

No, I wanted to do the ducting from the empty 2nd oil cooler space and route the tube (like amacaroni noodle)probably drilling a hole and then in between the FMIC and radiator. Oh, I forgot my idea also involved a rx7fashion type of FMIC and the radiator would still be at an angle and would still be closed off with the bellypan.

 

Looking forward to that new belly pan design

 

That's the setup I have and that's the same ducting that I'm talking about. So no one else has tried this? I was wondering if the air will be forced through the radiator since it's coming from the sides, or be pushed back out by the air coming through the IC. I guess I'll have to try it and find out.

 

Just a word of caution when you start to mess around with air flow. The FD is designed as a high speed vehicle, the aerodynamics are designed for that purpose. The ducting leading to the side vents (above the wheel well) is used to channel the air forced through the oil cooler(s). When that air flow is redirected (not exiting the car properly) it will create excess air pressure in the engine bay and increase resistence. If you look at the design of the factory belly pan, you'll see the negative pressure vent holes, these vents are designed to vent the excess air produced by the belly pan while smoothing out the airflow to increase down force. By changing that balance you risk diminishing the high speed handling charactoristics of the car (ie. drifting at high speeds). But heah, if you don't plan on driving fast then go for it.