Mr Louver.......Louver, which way should they face?? Options

[East coaster]

If I were to punch louvers in the front portion of my engine cover (instead of the usual GT grill mod), which way should they face, front or rear?? I know some of you 914 aerodynamicists out there will know (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[maf914]

I would bet that if you stamp louvers into the solid metal panel the direction will make almost no difference to cooling. Air is drawn into the engine by the cooling fan. You are adding more free area which will help, but since there is probably little or no smooth airflow in the grill area, sheltered by the rear window and sail panels, the direction of the louvers is probably not important. Maybe there is some reverse flow from the rear deck toward the window, in which case having the louvers open toward the rear might help. Plus, as far as looks go, rear facing would probably look better.

Mike