Just an update on my intercooler screen. We are headed out on a 1600km road trip towing our boat so I was removing the mesh screen on the intercooler.

Take a look at the stone that made its way into the housing. This isn’t the first stone I’ve had but is yet another reason why it’s not a bad idea to use the screen on the intercooler.

After just over 10k miles I’m happy with the protection it offers. Our driving is mostly highway.

 

Steve (Scarlett) has been here in the Ascent Forum for years now and many of us use his products. 'Glad you like your purchase.

 

that intercooler is just dying for some soap!

 

My almost 2 year old Ascent condenser has a hole in it and needs to be replaced. I would love to know how best to file a claim with SOA. Thank you!

 

They are not going to cover road debris damage. Once you have the condenser replaced, consider putting one of the screens on that are available on the market or make your own to reduce the risk of a repeat incident going forward.

 

I just submitted a question to them. re do they know the percentage of air blockage of the materials? Usually, the manufacturers of the materials know the number. I wouldn't want to see much more than 5%.

I have the upper and lowers in the cart. Not so sure about the intercooler. Other than getting dirty, I never had anything harm it other than attempts to clean it. Now I use a camel hair attachment on my shop vac.

 

I just submitted a question to them. re do they know the percentage of air blockage of the materials? Usually, the manufacturers of the materials know the number. I wouldn't want to see much more than 5%.

I have the upper and lowers in the cart. Not so sure about the intercooler. Other than getting dirty, I never had anything harm it other than attempts to clean it. Now I use a camel hair attachment on my shop vac.

I’ve been using ours for the past 8k miles with no discernible difference in oil or coolant temperature. They do advise removing the intercooler mesh when towing. I have kept it in place when towing short distances with no issue.

On a recent road trip I removed the intercooler mesh for one way of the trip. The temperature variance was 10F. I will likely remove the intercooler on long trips while towing.

As far as the fascia mesh is concerned I’ve noticed zero difference in cooling versus prior to them being installed.

I think it’s a great product with the benefits far outweighing the risks. I wanted the intercooler mesh as well just to prevent the fins from getting damaged and dirty. The way I see it, dirty and/or bent intercooler fins would reduce its efficiency more than the mesh.

 

I received a response from Steve:

"I'm not quite sure if this reply went though our website mail server properly, so I am sending it directly from my own email.

Thank you for your interest in an AscentScreen set. The black expanded metal mesh that I use for these is 63% open area, If it helps, we have never had a report of a cooling issue, or even a car running hotter than normal with these screens on any car that we make them for. This includes cars being driven all over the country, including the deserts of Arizona. Last week, I drove from Rochester, NY to Denver, CO and back in the heat, with the full set of screens on a car. THe temp gauge never budged over normal.

HTH!

Steve"

I'll get the upper and lower but not the intercooler.

 

Thank you Steve.

Mike