grill vs airflow

[rtviper]

I have an 86 t-regal with the chrome grill and have noticed the GN grill has much wider openings between the grill bars. Is there anything to gain with a swap when your using a large front mount intercooler? The GN grill seems like it would give a lot more airflow to the cooler,

 

[Gary Wells]

I have an 86 t-regal with the chrome grill and have noticed the GN grill has much wider openings between the grill bars. Is there anything to gain with a swap when your using a large front mount intercooler? The GN grill seems like it would give a lot more airflow to the cooler,[/QUOTE
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Due to the aerodynamic shaping of the fins, I wouldn't think that there is much to be gained. Cosmetically, I prefer the looks of the '86 & earlier with the fins being closer together, but don't like the chrome strip up above. It's about the only thing that identifies an '86 from an '87.

 

[justabuickv6]

I recently changed over from the 85 (small fins) to the 87. I was thinking the same thing before the change and noticed none what so ever.

 

[Mad_Trbo]

Personal opinion you would be hard pressed in measuring a temperature or performance difference. But, I would be willing to bet that if you had a front mount and oil cooler sitting on the front, there might be some benefit to going with a grill with wider openings. Hard to say without being able to perform some sort of flow analysis.

 

[Ormand]

If you look at the restriction of the radiator, the A/C condenser, and the IC, the grill is pretty insignificant by comparison. Running without the grill might one degree difference, but not ten, and the diff from one grill to another is prob'ly only a tenth of a degree. That would be my guess, anyway.

 

[rtviper]

Thanks everyone, Guess I will leave well enough alone.