Red Rochester

The grill insert screens look great and enhance the look.

punky

I've had more cars and sport bikes over the years that I can remember. None of them had any type of protective screening and have never had a single issue. To bad the Corvette engineers aren't as smart as the experts and GM haters here.

Red Mist Rulz

At Carlisle, two GM engineers gave a presentation on the thermal management issues in designing the C8. An audience member asked about impacts to the radiators. The response was that GM has a test that ALL models must meet before being approved for production: they fire objects (didn't specify exactly what) at the radiators at speeds higher than one would ever encounter on the street (didn't specify the speed, either), and the radiators must survive multiple impacts without damage. The engineer said the C8 exceeded GM standards.

They've had EX and CTF vehicles on the road and racetrack for a couple of years now. If there were a real problem GM would know it by now.

My brother's Boxster has no screens. He recently received a recall notice to install them, but the dealer said the reason is because drivers were flicking their cigarette butts out the side and they were getting sucked in and causing fires. Not because of radiator damage.

If you like "Style by Pep Boys," I guess.

Red Mist Rulz

See comment above about "Style by Pep Boys."

CDNZR

It will not be an issue with modern cars all with AC. I remembered how my brother toast his engine on the Highway from a flying stone into his rad many years ago. He didn't realize it until it was too late.

I don't think anyone has bought up the fact that you have 2 tires that will pick up debris and throw them towards the back. With the tires pointed straight my not be an issue but what if you were taking a turn? And what about putting wider wheels in the front? Just throwing out scenarios.

If any of you are looking for high quality ss screens, check with https://www.mcmaster.com/stainless-steel-mesh. I had them on my Intercooler to stop bugs/insects from lodging into my IC. If you drive through the farmland or take a long road trips, you know.

CGZO6

This is my biggest concern. Most have seen the damage on the GS/Z versions of the C6 and C7 on the rear fenders from crap thrown up by the front tires.

Rapid Fred

Exaggerate much?

If the real world turns out to contradict Tadge and his team on this issue (it's happened before; A8 and GS wheels for starters) this will be an affordable and unobtrusive solution.

JHrinsin

I wonder how much air flow these insert screens block (typical window screening is about 70% open space) or if they deflect a large percentage of the air flow that is trying to enter into the scoops.

MEJ

It is a little strange to think GM engineers never thought of this.
Good thing we have these forum members to catch all the
engineering mistakes.
Hard to believe the Corvette's been around for 67 years without their help!

Rapid Fred

That's not the point. It might be as obvious a consideration as we've seen.

Nonetheless, they've been known to screw up and it's nice to know IF that is the case this time it won't be a disaster for owners.

themonk

it makes for a great cubby-hole for small rodents and snakes.

Apocolipse

Screens look like ****...probably why they didnt install them

BlindSpot

I've owned several personal jets and yachts.

GM found themselves in a competitive position with DR. They found that instead of increasing the price of the new C8 with screens in the scoops, they could more effectively get "two birds with one stone" by leaving the screens off, then offering the C8 as a dual use product and competing directly with the DR XL575 wood chipper.

As fondly put by one of our more recent members (NCD), the C8 WILL REDEFINE THE WOOD CHIP INDUSTRY! Those who are flipping wood chippers will find themselves OUT of business! The C8 will CHANGE the wood chipping industry FOREVER!