Grill Inserts question

[John Jensen]

I'm considering replacing my 2016 1500 Big Horn grill inserts with a diamond mesh stainless steel set of inserts and have a question.

Also reading the forums I find there are what they call “right and left black plastic grille closure panels” on the backside ends of the grill.
It is suggested that these panels help direct airflow over the engine but no one knows for sure.
I am considering the insert install without these panels.
Does anyone have any experience with “no right and left black plastic grille closure panels” or have any comments?

 

[ramittome]

They swoop in towards the middle allowing all airflow from the grill to go over the radiator. Without them, you'd see huge "holes" on either side of them allowing air into the engine bay causing more of a "brick in the wind" affect. Lol! Not sire really how to put it, but basically your engine bay would help cause drag. They there to direct air.

 

[John Jensen]

ramittome,

Good explanation - thanks.
Sound like it's best to keep them in play. Radiator needs all it can get and I definitely don't need more drag.

 

[John Jensen]

I had a set of polished stainless steel diamond mesh all lined up but just found out they are overlay inserts and I want replacement inserts. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not have a set replacement inserts for the Ram 1500. So, I'm back on the hunt. Looking for chrome type of open, full flow set such as honeycomb, wire mesh, diamond weave, etc.

Any ideas on best way to go?

 

[crazykid1994]

Carid has chrome mesh I think
Edit: https://www.carid.com/grillcraft/m...-dod1011s.html?singleid=17225735&url=94015264
https://www.carid.com/eg-classics/...-010u-13h.html?singleid=11058582&url=94015264
Depending on your preference. I’m using the grillcraft on my truck. Very nice in my opinion.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DavidN]

I have these...
OEM Mopar Laramie Longhorn Chrome Wire Mesh grille inserts.

Quirkparts has the set.

 

[Cmsharp]

I bought these off amazon

 

[John Jensen]

Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions.

I just ordered a set of the Laramie Longhorn chrome honeycomb inserts. Almost ordered the wire mesh but the honeycomb look won out.

More flow is what I was after without sacrificing looks, the honeycombs provide both. I haven't had a flow problem because I haven't towed yet but I have noticed higher than expected temps pushing it on mountain grades. They tell me my Big Horn grill is the worst for flow plus I have a full Ranch hand grill guard in front.

 

[DavidN]

Good choice!
If you are concerned with higher engine temps you might consider switching to a 190 degree thermostat. Works without any other mods (tune etc.) and keeps the engine temps around 195. Install is straight forward, when you siphon out the radiator through the filler cap before removing the t-stat housing, you will spill almost no coolant in the process.

Here’s my running temps with a 190 t-stat on a nice warm Florida day at the end of a 75 Mile trip ...