1968dave

2011 ECO. From the dealer, My F150 has the front plate holder in the middle of the front bumper. It is where the small opening is in the middle. I noticed on other ECOs the tag is on the side of bumper leaving the middle open. I am going to assume this is not to restrict air flow. Could it be in the middle? Does it have to be on the side? WHy would dealer place that it in the middle? I prefer it in the middle however, if it is going to have a negative effect then I will remove it.

dajohu

You are going to hear mixed things about it. Yes it is there for better intercooler air flow, and yes it will restrict flow some putting the plate there.

Many have moved the plate there and had no noticeable performance changes. I was going to do this eventually, but honestly the offset plate grew on me and I kinda like it now.

*Forgot about the dealer part. I would assume they moved it there for a previous buyer who backed out? Just for testing out the plate? Was it a returned vehicle?

Heishman

Also you will have to move the plate if your state requires a front plate and you install a brush guard or bull bar. Those will cover the front center and the offset plate will make it legal for your state plate requirements.

1968dave

The 2011 was a left over F150. I beleive the dealer manager was using it as his personal truck. I decided to remove it from the middle. That empty space just seems akward. I ordered an insert grille on ebay for 40 bucks. Maybe that will make it look better. I decided to take it off after reading older post etc. Some people claim it helped with fuel mileage and kept turbos cooler, etc. I really don't think it will make much of a difference. The plate only blocks air flow on a small part. Most of the airflow will come from under the bumper. However, just in case I did remove it.

bubbabud

All the EB trucks should have the left side bumper insert [bread loaf] that were shipped to states that require a front plate installed to move the front plate from in front of the IC opening for better air flow to the IC. It was Fords recomendation not to install any part that would reduce air flow. How ever there is now a TSB that involves installing a shield to block part of the air flow to the IC so I guese its 6 of one or a 1/2 dozen of the other. Just a side note the IC [charge air cooler] doesnot have any bearing on the temp of the turbos but only cools the air going into the engine Ergo cooler denser air more power less detonation. I personaly would move the plate to the side and then deside how you will treat the grill opening.