Hey guys!

I went to Autozone this weekend to get some Meguires detailing spray, and I saw these portholes that you can install on your fenders and hood. Has anyone done this yet?

I'm thinking that it could help keep the engine cooler, and may give a bit better gas mileage.

How hard are these to install? What is the best way to cut the sheet metal?

 

Use a Dremel. I cut out my faux side vent and replaced it with a functional SL55 side vent. I picked up an extra 13hp to the wheels

 

Start the hole with the back side of a claw hammer. Then carefully insert a hack saw blade and finish the job. You can cover up the raw edges with a Sharpie marker before super gluing the portholes. Post some pics when done!!

 

Start by dying your hair brown and rethinking the whole idea.

 

If this is a serious thread I really need to start drinking more regularly................

 

I have been really down lately, but this thread just made me laugh (esp Tuna's post).

 

Great idea, BarbieGirl. Most people install six or so in the hood and two or three in each fender (optional). The tool shown below makes install a snap, and they really help with HP and gas mileage. Amazing performance.



Take plenty of pics!

 

I hear they look great on an Impala....but then it turns them into a Buick.

 

Lmao. That post is pure greatness

 

I called Maaco from Starbucks when I was on my lunch break, and spoke with an estimator. He told me that I should probably let a professional do the work, but that I should put ducktape around the area I want to cut if I wanted to do it myself. He said he really needed to see the car in person to find out of the hood was hollow, but he thought he could install them for around $500.00 Does that seem fair? I'm not sure where my Husband keeps his saw, but he has one just like in the photo. Do you think the round ones or the diamond ones are better on a blue car? I'm going to go back to the Autozone this evening.

 

Personally, I would go with the diamond-shaped ones (especially on a blue car) and the $500 sounds more than fair. Why don't you pick a few up from AutoZone, have Maaco put them in, and surprise your husband? I'm sure he will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Score big points.




Take pics!

 

No reason to pay a professional. I think Tuna's DIY instructions are dead on. Stick with round or oval for that "ghetto Buick" look. They also are rated at 5 more hp than diamond. Of course, if you turn the diamond sideways they become squares, and then the hp gain is the same. We always recommend fuzzy dice and a Pep Boys fart-can exhaust to complete the upgrade. Maybe a leapord skin seat cover from Walmart. You will turn heads....and stomaches. Have fun and thanks for the chuckles.

 

Criss, do you know BarbieGirl?

 

Tunalove what color sharpie best matches Aero Blue?

 

You really don't have to get all sophisticated with a dremel or saws-all. I've seen guys just use an ax to open up the fenders. The vents just drop right in place at that point and still have a lot of adjustability. I prefer using an ax. One forum member is installing gas turbines in his fenders to help expel the heat even faster. I'd use those instead.

 

We forgot to ask, BarbieGirl. Is this your car, or your hubby's? Either way, but if you have to ask to borrow his big yellow saw, then you won't be able to surprise him.

Just wondering. But either way I'm sure he will appreciate the added HP and gas mileage.

Be sure to use the duck tape and take plenty of pics!

 

Wow no wonder they want $500 I didn't know this was going to be so much work. Does Squirrel Crusher Still post? He put portholes behind the line thingy on the side. Kane this used to be my husbands car, but he got a Z4

 

Portholes work well on Z4's, too, if you ever want to surprise him. Score big points.

 

drive it ,enjoy it, but don"t change the outside, except for maybe the wheels if you want, all changes should be limited to(((name,, engine,, tires,,rims and that is it))) jim

 

Tell Ken hello.....