There seems to be some debate over the location of the intercoolers. If road debris should be a problem, maybe there's some easy fixes.
Like multiple rubber flaps similar to what the OE radiators use. Mounted horizontally or vertically on the inside of the wheelwell. If flap to tire clearance is an issue, just use more flaps that aren't so wide as to reach the tire. Or restrict the distance the flaps can move. Think of motorcycle reed valves..
Or maybe a scoop/cover mounted inside the wheelwell over the screen with the opening facing the outside of the car (like a sideways hood scoop so to speak) allowing air to vent thru the ICs, but not allow anything off the tire to have a direct shot at the screen and ICs.
Hope I'm not oversimplifying things, but I think there are ways to allow the ICs to flow, but at the same time block road debris from reaching them
FE I was thinking the same thing a while back. The rubber flaps aren't a bad idea, as I was thinking something like the plastic louvers that are mounted on the front of the radiators on modern moto bikes. If it will protect the radiators from the incoming roost of other bikes being directly in the line of fire, I doubt a little road debris would cause any major issues.
The tire is going to be throwing rocks/ect to the rear of the car. It will not throw crap aginst the wind! Or against the tire rotation. Now if your doing 50mph backwards on a dirt road, ok I can see it getting crap in it.
The air pressure is highest at the top of the wheel well(sp?). Just cut a hole there and that air will go out the hood vents above the wheel. This will also creat a venturi affect sucking hot air out of the engine bay. But does this need to be done, not really.
The only place you *might* have to worry about it is on the front were the foglights were. But then again how many times have you read "a rock broke my floglight" You will get bugs and what not but just pressure wash them out. Same as anyother FMIC.
If you really wanted to get creative, make a duct on the bottom of the facia and direct air into the IC from the bottom of the car.
People are making a big deal out of nothing. Now put this retarted non-issue to rest.
Here's what I don't understand: the foglights have always been a low-pressure area. You can't add brake ducts to the fog openings --> how in hell are these negative-pressure inlets flowing air to the IC's?
