Quick Questions....97 Bounder...Trip soon

[Loadchris83]

What is the purpose of the rubber cover behind the grill between the engine? And, can I remove it to get a little more air flow to the 460? I am headed through Vegas and up the Baker grade so I need all the unrestricted airflow I can get. Thanks all!

[Skip426]

I'm not exactly sure what rubber cover your talking about .
But I wager a guess; the rubber is there to direct all air flow through the grill through the radiator. The rad by design , is a restriction to air flow , removing the rubber may allow more cool air onto the motor , and at the same time less air flow through the rad, and that would be counter productive.

[BFlinn181]

If it's the 'rubber cover' I'm thinking of, it's there to divert air flow through the radiator, rather than around it. If you remove it, I believe you'll have more overheating issues, not less.

To prevent overheating on grades, downshift and raise engine RPMs. You'll circulate coolant and air faster and the engine won't work as hard if it's in it's torque and HP range for best power.

[Loadchris83]

Copy that guys! Thanks for the help. Ill leave it on.

[bobandshaz]

I know this sounds CRAZY but you can turn off the A/C and the HEATER on for a bit this will help drop the temp quick.

[House Husband]

Leave the air damn in place. Don't worry about the Baker grade. The radiator used on the old 460 F53s is more than enough to cool your engine, if the fan clutch is working properly. I've been up the Baker grade in the middle of summer with the dash air on full blast, with no over heating.

Richard
95 Bounder
F53