Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold Front Cover

[HookMeUp]

I was wondering how much of the grill can be covered since the temps are starting to fall. If I cover all 4 sections of the grill will the 2 areas in the bumper be enough air circulation?

 

[PC12Driver]

Once the temps fall consistently below 50*F, I cover up all 4 of the top slots. Even so, the upper radiator hose is still cool to the touch after a 15 mile drive. Towing would be a different story, but no problems when empty.



I didn't really notice much quicker warm up, but the heater output is more consistent with the grill covered.

 

[TowPro]

The lund cold front covers all the holes in the grill. A nice modification is to drill a 1/2" hole in front of the temp sensor so you can still read outside temps while going down the road. One year I forgot to take them off I noticed it in June towing my 5th wheel up the PA turnpike. It got so hot the thermostat actualy opened (195)

 

[DieselMinded]

http://www.dodgedieseldatabase.com/eric_buckel.htm

 

[Billy Diesel]

I was wondering how much of the grill can be covered since the temps are starting to fall. If I cover all 4 sections of the grill will the 2 areas in the bumper be enough air circulation?

How much do you tow? I don't tow much more than a couple of sleds during the winter, so I remove my fan and have a blanket covering the entire grill all winter long. Once it is above freezing I will open up the little holes in the blanket. The only time I ever had a problem was in stop and go traffic at 45F.

 

[CEpp]

here's an idea... i have it and it works well... buy a piece of 1/4" lexan. i think the size is 36X22. it slides right down between the air charge cooler and the radiator. now center it with the fan and put a 5" hole in it. with a good cooling system, u can run with this in up to 50 deg out side before u see temps rising higher than normal. if it gets warmer out side, just pop the hood and slide it out. i think it cost me around $30. 00. and u dont see it from the outside.



one other person told me that the cross wind thats created but the coldfront inserts that are attached to the grill create unsual forces against the fan and clutch and could crack blades...



just food for thought.

 

[SKneeland]

a piece of cardboard slid in between the rad and intercooler works perfectly. punch a hole in the middle so your fan clutch isnt engaged all the time. if you gotta tow, or temps get too high you just fold over a section and keep on going. also keeps your outside temp. sensor exposed and working accurately

 

[BMote]

To cold front or not to front

I was under the impression that air flow was necessary to keep the intercooler temps down. If you cover the front, will this not defeat the purpose of the intercooler. If the intercooler can't supply cool air to booster, is the efficiency of the engine compromised?







2001 w250 in cold country Canada

 

[CEpp]

thats why u build on like i described above

 

[PC12Driver]

For sustained high power pulls you may notice a difference (but you probably wouldn't want the radiator covered either). For daily driving, not at all. With my grill covered up (w/EricB's grill covers) I've felt the right and left side of the intercooler after a high boost run, and the downstream side is still significantly cooler than the inlet. After normal driving it's cold all the way across. There's still enough airflow going on to keep things cool.

 

[MYeary]

I put the lund covers on mine, I think they work great and look good too, the blacked out grill really blends with a black truck, you could also paint to match. does much better on short runs than before.