Aftermarket Bumper Effects on Engine Cooling

[MFP2241]

Looking for an aftermarket front bumper to replace the plastic one on my BaseSquatch.

Many of the ones I see (not all), block the red "High Risk" area detailed in the Bronco Cooling Considerations section of the 2021 Bronco Equipment Installation Guide. Attached below.

Is this something I should take into account when choosing an aftermarket bumper?

I feel like if there wasn't some effect on engine cooling, they wouldn't have put the info in the book.... Or, am I overthinking this.

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[SuperDave150]

I’m with you. We should pay attention to what Ford Engineering says.

BTW where did you get this info? Link please?

 

[Braaap]

I’m with you. We should pay attention to what Ford Engineering says.

BTW where did you get this info? Link please?

I saw this link had the same info https://fordauthority.com/2021/10/2...installation-guide-is-packed-with-good-stuff/ Also this PDF is the complete guide https://fordauthority.com/wp-conten...dable-2021-Ford-Bronco-installation-guide.pdf

 

[JD11937]

The havoc bumper does not block it.

 

[MFP2241]

I’m with you. We should pay attention to what Ford Engineering says.

BTW where did you get this info? Link please?

Yep, it's the info @Braaap put up.

 

[HeliPilot]

MaxLider does not block it either. It’s vented beneath the winch. You can zoom in to see it.

 

[MFP2241]

The havoc bumper does not block it.

That's one I'm considering. Looks great

 

[UniBroncorn]

Looking for an aftermarket front bumper to replace the plastic one on my BaseSquatch.

Many of the ones I see (not all), block the red "High Risk" area detailed in the Bronco Cooling Considerations section of the 2021 Bronco Equipment Installation Guide. Attached below.

Is this something I should take into account when choosing an aftermarket bumper?

I feel like if there wasn't some effect on engine cooling, they wouldn't have put the info in the book.... Or, am I overthinking this.

Definitely follow what Ford recommends! I also see alot of people block this area with lights/light bars.

 

[BlueBronco]

Not over thinking but maybe not completely understanding. That is where the intercooler is located which doesn't actually cool the engine. Instead it cools the intake air that is heated via compression from the turbos. But you are correct, you don't want to completely block off the front of the intercooler and restrict the airflow that passes over it. However, most aftermarket bumpers & skid plates should provide enough vents to this area.

Also, and I will have to dig out my old turbo thermodynamics book for reference, but an opening in front of an intercooler should actually be less than the intercooler surface area. So venting that is smaller than the face of the intercooler is not exactly a bad thing. Just use a bit of common sense and if the venting looks restrictive it probably is.

Side note, Ford already blocked about 1/3 of the intercooler surface area with the plastic sensor housing placed about 2" from the face.

Side note 2, if one has the lux package then you cannot block this area at all. If you do you will need to relocate the acc radar that is housed behind that same piece of plastic.

 

[MFP2241]

Not over thinking but maybe not completely understanding. That is where the intercooler is located which doesn't actually cool the engine. Instead it cools the intake air that is heated via compression from the turbos. But you are correct, you don't want to completely block off the front of the intercooler and restrict the airflow that passes over it. However, most aftermarket bumpers & skid plates should provide enough vents to this area.

Also, and I will have to dig out my old turbo thermodynamics book for reference, but an opening in front of an intercooler should actually be less than the intercooler surface area. So venting that is smaller than the face of the intercooler is not exactly a bad thing. Just use a bit of common sense and if the venting looks restrictive it probably is.

Side note, Ford already blocked about 1/3 of the intercooler surface area with the plastic sensor housing placed about 2" from the face.

Side note 2, if one has the lux package then you cannot block this area at all. If you do you will need to relocate the acc radar that is housed behind that same piece of plastic.

Thanks for the information and perspective, I really appreciate the thoughtful answer!

I wonder if it's a "High Risk" zone in part because Ford already partially blocked the area... as you stated in your side notes.

 

[MNBigfoot]

MaxLider does not block it either. It’s vented beneath the winch. You can zoom in to see it.

There may be a vent beneath the winch, but it sure looks like it's blocking the "High Risk" area.

 

[HBTFD]

In the middle of the red area is the sensor used in emergency braking and optional cruise control distancing feature. It blocks the intercooler. I’d worry more about blocking emergency braking with an aftermarket bumper.

 

[Dmorty217]

I have the DV8 FS-15 front bumper on a BD with full skid plates so mine is somewhat restricted/block. I have upgraded my intercooler with the mishimoto one and I notice more turbo sounds and power. I also have the K&N intake and AFe charge pipes with a ultimate9 throttle controller and AFe scorcher module. I can’t tell the turbo gas temps but just judging by the comparison between the baby factory one compared to the mishimoto, I’m sure it’s doing a much better job at cooling the temps. Again not the specific question you asked but I wouldn’t overthink it.

 

[Dmorty217]

In the middle of the red area is the sensor used in emergency braking and optional cruise control distancing feature. It blocks the intercooler. I’d worry more about blocking emergency braking with an aftermarket bumper.

I can confirm that the sensor works just fine with a aftermarket front bumper.

 

[evgenyvasenev]

MaxLider does not block it either. It’s vented beneath the winch. You can zoom in to see it.

Fab Four similarly has ventilation below and above the witch.

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