sranger

My answer would be that the Flex is not rated to tow over 10,000lb.

z06

The only thing the computer is monitoring related to the intercooler is intake air temps. Only thing intercooler does is cool intake air. If they get too high then it may retard timing.

Drchuper

I'm very interested in this thread as I just purchased a new 150 FX4 with EB, and agree that the gaping hole is "fugly". I've already inserted OEM grommets (same type as in the door edges) in the two 1" holes on the sides, and have a billet grille on order from E/Bay. My primary reason is aesthetic, but also a desire to protect the intercooler from debris.

I'm no engineer and am therefore reading the posts of those with actual expertise with great interest. I agree with prior posts that it is all too easy for us laymen to make erroneous assumptions when getting into highly technical areas, e.g.: the former NASA administrator who brushed off the likelihood of significant structural damage arising to the shuttle orbiter from external tank foam shedding ("no different than a styrofoam cooler lid flying out of a pickup and hitting your windshield"). Tough words to eat when Columbia broke up over Texas .. and tougher yet when a piece of the foam blew right through a wing segment when tested under actual flight conditions. I was also interested to hear a NASCAR tech on TV this weekend stating that something like a 1/64" change in the diameter of a hole in sheet metal could result in a 12HP change in performance, apparently via greater airflow .. who knew?

Based on what I've read so far, I'm inclined to believe those who assert that the grille will not cause damage or make a significant difference in performance under most "normal" conditions (mine being family highway driving with little or no towing, though some in high summer heat). I will certainly continue to watch this thread with interest though .. particularly for a definitive answer from the Ford techs (.. why didn't they include a grille in the first place?) and/or confirmation of warranty problems if using one.

straightaxle

I think it is just a ploy to possibly deny a warranty. Ever looked at a superduty with a diesel? The grill in those is no less restrictive than an F150, and they have no holes in the bumper to allow added airflow.

Will the hole create a problem for the intercooler? Likely not in a large scale. Will the grill cause a cooling issue? Likely not in a large scale, even if the grill reduced opening area to only 25%.

5111

I bet that Ford eventually puts a grill in that opening and just have not because it was a cost they did not want at this point.

Drchuper

Hmmm .. maybe, but with after-market ones selling at <$50 on E-Bay, you have to think their unit cost would have been perhaps $10-20? I know that adds up over thousands of units, but they clearly put a lot of emphasis on styling: I'll bet the blue ovals, F-150 and EB badging cost more than that per: truck.

Now the obvious question: has anyone approached FoMoCo directly (not a local dealer tech) and asked them why the gap was left as it was, and whether inserting an after-market grille is foreseen by their experts as causing any issues, under what conditions, etc.? That would seem to be the logical way to put this to rest, presuming they're willing to provide definitive answers.

MadocHandyman

I did a little figuring tonight.
The gaping hole has an area of 105"sq (approx)
The grill I have, from EBay ($40), has a surface area of 30 "sq
So the grill reduces the area of the opening by 28-29%.
I'm also surprised that no one has mentioned that the majority of the IC is already blocked by the bumper and air dam.
So, not sure if this is good or bad but my grill is staying on.

goodburbon

I ordered a front license plate mount for one of my ecoboosts because it didn't come with one. When it came in It was one that mounts in that hole. I installed it without really thinking twice. Ive driven for 3 months with it on, 8000 miles and in temps up to 115 and over mountain passes. I've noticed no ill effects.

I went to the counter at the local dealership and said "I need a front plate mount" 2 days later That's what they gave me.

First_Timer_FX4_EB

I'm about to do some mod for the intercooler opening... but saw at my Ford dealer's parking lot an Ecoboost that had a beutyful "grill" so... I just wonder if any of you could tell me from where this came from... (I did not stay and wait for the truck owner)


This cames with the whole for the block heater plug.

hoping one of you could identify this grill

pfbz

What do you think the airflow blockage is on that grille? I'm guessing better than 60%.