Mopar. Cold winter front: What temps, how many flapps?... Smokey truck ;-)

[JasonCzerak]

So, I picked up my cold winter front from the dealercrap today. retards couldn't figure out if it was coming or going. stopped by twice, no front. On a plus side, they drop $20 of the price for my inconvenience. Bonus!



So, it's 32 degree today. I figure today would be as good as I'll get for a stretchable warm-ish day to get it in place. All went well! 2 issues.



1. the velcro thing didn't stick on the passenger side. . I cleaned I sware! no biggie, I"ll fix this later.



2. The hood is rather difficult to latch, anyone got a fix for this? short of shutting the hood harder?



Now, what is optimal for the flapps? For giggles I closed it up. I had a 6 mile drive from home back to work. Truck was already warm (and idling) while I installed it. Flipped on the intake temp meter on the attitude and I was at 85 till I stopped at tacosmell for dinner she idles there, 99degrees for the last 2 miles to work.



heh, 100degree intake temps + 5/4ez3 = smokey summer like smoke clouds. Talk about lag in 4th from 1300rpm's. normally, intake temps are 10-12 + ambient temperature.



So, I opened the top 3 flaps and left the bottom closed for now.



What do you people run at what temps at what speeds?

 

[PRush]

Just installed mine a week ago. Same problem with passenger side velcro. I swear I cleaned. Overall very tight fit, especially bottom 2 hooks. It took and hour of tugging, grunting and busted knuckles. Could have been because it was 15 degrees when I installed. Not much stretch at that temp. Shoulda heated it up with a hair dryer.

I have been running with all flaps closed but local Colorado temp has ranged from -15 to 35 degrees. Warm up is much quicker. Engine temp range from 200-210. Speeds 55-80 depending on ice and snowcover. Runs normal, no smoke but I am stock.

 

[RRees]

I put mine on in my garage (50 degrees), a couple of weeks ago.

I left all flaps open just to get a sense of what the engine temp gauge would read.

We had a cold spell last week (Central Iowa approx 10-15 degrees F in the AM).

I closed one flap and the temp gauge didn't get near 200 on my 20 minute (35mph) commute.



I have since closed two flaps (top and bottom).



I didn't have any issues with the velcro since my garage was relatively warm.

I also used the prep pad for the velcro.



No smoke either and I am also, all stock.

 

[Kry226]

I had the same problem with the velcro, but I found that you don't really need it anyway. The cover is very snug without the velcro and fits great.

 

[CSkal]

I have been running for the past week or so with all flaps closed until warm-up, and then open 1; temps showing 200-210 on the OE gauge. Running truck at 60 mph, ambient 27-38. I just started running with all open after warming up with all closed. Truck seems to sit at about 190 with ambient temps of 25-27 so far. I am waiting for the single digits to see how much of an effect the front has when open vs closed.

 

[JasonCzerak]

ohh that's funny about the one velcro



Well, I got fully warmed up about 2 miles from work, as apposed as I pull into the parking lot. that's with 3 flaps open, 20 degree morning, block heater all night. 10 minute idle warm up with transmission in 3rd (t-case N), running no more then 40mph and prolly 12 stop lights no higher then 4th gear. so I'm running hte R's a little high, 2100-2200. Intake temps 40-45degrees.



I figure, anything lower then 20 will require them closed for these short commutes. other wise, one or 2 open for errons and highway runs.