front license plate with FMIC

[jrodhotrod]

I was wondering just how much of a realistic difference keeping the front plate on with a FMIC is going to make when it comes to the performance of the intercooler.

Will it block too much air from getting to the intercooler, or will it not make an appreciable difference?

Should I keep it in stock location?

Or use a bracket and fix it the front of the front lip in the Mazdaspeed?

More just curious then anything else, and searching didn't turn much up. I am gonna guess that leaving the front plate in place won't make a difference when running stock boost in the mazdaspeed but came into play later on with higher boost levels?

I would take the plate off but here in Cali running without the front plate is against the law and I already have a couple of other things where I wouldn't want another excuse to get pulled over for (35% front tint/HID). Not to say that I couldn't be convinced to run without the front plate (I have done it before)

 

[deckedoutmp5]

i have this problem also. not only is it taking away from my IC for air flow front plates on a protege look retarded. but there are 2 holes there the dealer put (bastards). i am goin to make a new front end like the new evo where the plate molding is on the side. but i will form it into the front clip. you might be able to pick up an evo license plate frame and do it to the side. for now im plateless on front.

but yes, if you run bigger boost the plate will efftect flow like you wouldnt believe. even stock form.

i had a grill on my 49 ford pro street, ran very hot. had to get a custom aluminum radiator with 18 in fan with shroud. cooled off nice.. later i took off the grill to redo it, it runs 20 deg colder now... its not a turbo but same concept.

 

[1QuickMS6]

Take off the plate and the front bracket and get bumper plugs. On my other forum guys in Cali where rolling like that all the time, cops rarely will pull you over for no plate and if they do it's what like $100-150 fix-it ticket.

 

[orng1]

I've been thinking of cutting it to a smaller size so it won't take up as much air. Anyone know if it's illegal to cut the plate, I can't imagine if the plate frames cover up the top nd bottom of it.

 

[carbonkid]

I am sure you mean more than this, but I trimmed my plate to fill the gap nicely.

Worked for MN State Patrol at the time (IT, not trooper), and asked around, no one at work had a huge issue with it, since it did not alter the intent/shape of the plate. I just shaved off a little from the top. Now I just run with no front plate. Even with upgraded SMIC, I don't care for a big piece of metal blocking my rightful share of airflow! lol

 

[DubbyDoo]

o made some brackets to mount to the side

cops around here dont really care as long as it on the front of your car

 

[jrodhotrod]

Wow... talk about a blast from the past... holy old thread batman!

I ended up using a bracket and re-locating my plate to one side of the bumper, similar to where the EVO has it. A lot like the location on DubbyDoo's photo, only no fog lights on my 03.5 MSP so it was further over.