I removed the grill today to work on a project to get more air flow to the turbo. The grill has "blockage" on the left side, so I'm cutting it out. That starts tomorrow.

Here are a some pics for those wondering how to remove the grill it's the top 4 10mm bolts. Then you pull towards yourself from the front lower left. Once that clip pops you can pull easier (again towards you straight back) and it basically "peels" off.

 

Installed a new 22mm rear sway bar and new discharge pipe.

 

This may sound like a dumb question (I am not very mechanical savvy) but what kind of effect will this have. I know the turbo needs air but how much will this help?

Just curious.

 

I think it was 50mm inlet diameter

 

It will definitely increase airflow into the engine area, but how much it will actually help the turbo I'm not sure. Having the better airflow is a benefit for sure.

Here are some pics of the grill off and cut. Oh, and I plasti dipped the chrome around the grill and the grill itself.

 

^^ looks like a nice clean job. What did you use to trim the plastic off? Trimming the grille was my least favorite part of the driving light install.

 

It's because it's classed as a 4DR and not a MPV or SUV. You can check on the plate by the drivers door.

 

1bigpea.. could the chrome trim be removed from the grill from those clips in order to just black that out without spraying the whole grill ? i pretty much just have this and the belt line left to do and i'm just looking for the cleanest way to do it since i'll have to remove the driving lights to get the grill off to do the chrome anyway.

 

Yes, the chrome trim will pop out, it's a bigger version of the headlight ring clips.

 

Put the grill back on.

Happy New Year everyone!

 

looks nice! still have another month to wait for my car but i already have a can of plastidip waiting!

 

Wow! Really clean look I Like it ! 

 

I like!

 

Thanks for the positive feedback!

On another note the engine temp usually stays at 219-220. Now with the grill opened up I'm running not more than 214 so it runs cooler, especially while moving. However at 70+ I have added wind noise coming from that side but i always listen to music so I don't hear it.

 

Had to wash it twice in order to get all the snow brine off.

Before:



After:

 

I would definitely say that your efforts paid off... Looking good.

 

Put on my new winter wheels / snow tires.

 

I love those wheels. What are they? I think someone else on here has them as well.

 

Axis XMX 17". Got them from tire rack. Still prefer my stock 18" wheels, but these aren't bad at all for winter.

 

There is 3 hours of your life you'll never get back, but as we all know you can't rest until it looks like new again ! LOL

 

Just saw this. I tried a few different methods (heated blade, cutting it, drilling) but the dremel with a carbide tip worked the best. Definitely a tough material to cut through precisely.

I did make some marks on the grill while cutting it out so that's why I plasti dipped the whole grill. It didn't cover the marks though but if you're not looking for them it's not noticeable.

 

I'm looking to get some custom stripes here in Texas, preferably close to Houston, possibly Dallas.
Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

 

I used the dremmel as well, not sure if it was carbide tip, but it was the most effective. Cutting around those contours is tough, but worth it regardless of the mod.

 

Installed new Michelin Pilot Sport AS plus' & wheels today (235/50/17)

 

Dropped mine off for it's 1st dealer maintenance.. An oil change @ 8300mi.
I used about 3/4L of oil to top off in that time.
They rest the dash, topped off fluids & washed/vacuumed the car.
There were no TSB's or recalls for my car. No ECU upgrades, etc.
I noted the smell of clutch & it was duly noted. There was a CM in there getting a clutch replaced under warranty (only 3K). Clutch would not grab enough to even move the car, it just spun.. or so I was told.
Confirmed the replacement clutches(case by case, not covered under warranty) are being replaced w/ the JCW version.