Hood Louvers For Cooling

[Stratosurfer]

Has anyone installed hood louvers for additional cooling? I am considering installing the XL version of these:

http://www.hoodlouvers.com/

Could this be a solution to hot summer towing for the 6.5?

[heymccall]

I don't believe so. Back in days when I had Z28s and Trans-ams, it was amazing what cooling deficiencies would show up when the lower most front spoiler was missing (usually from dragging on a curb stop). Not the ground F/X, but rather, the plastic full width apron hanging down from the core support.

I suggest adding a lower valence type spoiler below the radiator, to help create a larger low pressure zone under the truck.

Looking at your avatar, and the age of your truck, after ensuring that all of the factory air deflectors are in place, and, that the cooling stack is free of obstructions, I see plenty of room to add such a "spoiler' or "deflector".

[Stratosurfer]

I understand your thoughts, I don't think an air dam up front would at all help in stop and go driving however. I can see on highway speeds the advantage. I think I am going to give the louvers a try. The only downsides I can see are possible additional noise getting out of the engine compartment, and rain on the engine, which I don't think is an issue really.

[turbonator]

the best bet for lowering temps would be to swap the gm-x back pressure cork for a larger more free flowing turbo, lower IAT's/EGT's will reduce over-all temperature significantly..... by the way, what do you run for boost?

[Deezel]

The hood sheet metal is quite thin. The hood will be ruined and the water on a hot engine will lead to electrical as well as other problems.

Side louvers might work.

Air Dam makes a huge difference, as well as, a well sealed up radiator system that pulls all the air through the radiator.

[Paveltolz]

I did. None of the issues identified have made themselves manifest. Hood is just fine, water that does get in evaporates, no electrical issues on this truck.
Heat roils out the hood at stops, sucks cool air in at speeds over 45. Side vents allow heat out at speed.
It's all well and good but, too keep the engine cool though, clean the AC/Radiator Stack, upgrade your fan, clutch and water pump.

[dixiepc]

Paveltolz,

Not meaning to get off on something else but where did you get that wench bumper and do you have some more pictures of it?

[allsierra123]

I was gonna say Wheeling Cherokees, It is the number one off-road mod for low speed crawling. I was surprised after I bought my rig more people weren't using these. Makes good sense. Lol if ya aint scared to cut on your rig.

[GM Guy]

I feel the bumper airdam helps. havent tried it yet on a 3/4 ton or bigger, but will in the near future. bought a new one for my half ton, and it was under 50 bucks, Genuine GM. cheaper for the tow hook cutouts than the smooth ones. that and the new t-stat, and the 6.2L doesnt ever get past 210.

paveltolz's truck is the only one i have seen that makes the vents look good. most folks get cheesy ones that make the truck look dreadful. his truck is the only one that passes my picky ass inspection! IIRC he got the ones that are advertised in the back of diesel power.

[Paveltolz]

Thank you very much for the compliments.
Sorry, but I have no idea who made the bumper, I got it from member 635 at Truck Stop, there's another one in the basement without chrome...long story.
Winch is a 12K from Harbor Frieght, also purchased off of 635.
No cutting to get it bolted up other than removing the OEM nuts that were welded to the brackets.
Louvers are from the same site linked in post #1. I got the XLs.
I think it is ok to link to the thread there where I did the install. If not, 'tut mier leid.'
Lots of pictures and some videos too. Yes, it helps get hot air out and cool air in but it doesn't help the coolant temps, just keeps the engine compartment temps down and saves the pieces parts from extra baking.