Hi guys! I just received my CF cooling plate and have a question regarding install. In the DYI section someone suggested removal of the OEM plastic plate when installing a cooling plate- in your opinion is this necessary ? What are the pros and cons of leaving the OEM plate in place? I appreciate your help on this, thanks.

 

Are you talking about the AUT CF cooling plate. If so, yes, it is necessary. You are trying vent cool air into your air intake from below the car.

 

Yeah, you need to remove the stock plastic. I don't even think you would be able to install it without removing it.

 

Speaking of cooling plates, I just installed my Seibon (AUT) just a few hours ago. Do you have to take the factory piece out...YES! If you would like to lose horsepower, than you may leave it in. It really isn't too hard to remove, just be patient. The phillips head plastic screws up top are cake. The compression plugs below require a flathead screwdriver to pry the center portion up. I ran the car both ways, you will not be disappointed with the results!

 

It will install with the factory plastic left in. I installed the cooling plate and did a few runs with the plastic in. Then removed it (takes about 30-45 mins) and did a couple more runs. Major difference with that plastic bit removed!

 

Remove the OEM plastic with this cooling plate.

 

was there a major difference between having just the stock plastic thing vs when you installed the cooling plate?

 

Yah, I would like to know too. I have the AUT cooling plate and feel the engine a bit responsive at night. But, that may be the placebo effect. I can't tell.

Anyone dynoed with and without cooling plate to confirm the engine being "better" with it?

 

You can't dyno an AUT. That's because some of its benefits depend on "ram air" from the grill area into the intake of the AUT (which will be even more if you fabricate some "scoops" into the intake of the AUT). Dynos only measure power when the car is not moving, hence no ram air effect.

 

Then, how is it people are able to ascertain CAI hp gains? CAI has similar effect in that it's getting cold air for the engine from below. I assume people dyno CAI gains in order to report the 2-3 hp gains from it.

The bigger question that I wanted to ask is... Is AUT cooling plate just rice or does it actually add performance for $170 shipped?