One of the few running changes in the Ford GTs two-year run was the removal of the front grille. It happened in late 2005, and it was done to increase airflow to the radiator for improved engine cooling. With our long-term 2005 Ford GT being about 3/4 of the way through the first year's production (number 1456 out of approximately 2000) it still has the front grille.
Many 2005 GT owners have pulled the grille, but we haven't seen an engine temp problem, even during our track run at The GT School, so the grille remains in our car. However, after driving it back from the Southern California high desert recently it was clear how cooling effectiveness could be compromised by this small piece of plastic.
At this time of year the bug count is pretty high along the 5 freeway. I saw plenty of moths and butterflies of various size disappear below the GT's hood line as I cruised along, but it wasn't until I got home that my son (somewhat of a bug fan himself) pointed out the winged collection inside the car's front fascia. It was likely the most interest he's shown in the GT since it arrived.
So if your son is into bugs, and your GT doesn't have a cooling issue, the grille isn't a bad item to leave in there (or even retro-fit to a 2006 model). But if you've got the grille, and you're going to track it on a hot day, you should probably remove any entomology subjects first.
desmolicious says:
01:41 PM, 06/ 2/08
Now picture all those "I don't need no steenkin' helmet" motorcycle enthusiasts riding through that!
gobryngo says:
03:28 PM, 06/ 2/08
THAT is gnarly.
cx7lover says:
05:49 PM, 06/ 2/08
so pretty
billt9 says:
07:01 PM, 06/ 2/08
What a colorful collection.
Beats the giant legged mosquitoes over here.
altimadude00 says:
07:30 PM, 06/ 2/08
That's almost as gross as Lovebug season in Florida....but not quite.
chavis10 says:
03:41 AM, 06/ 3/08
Wow, those are some huge bugs. One time I caught a 4" long dragonfly in between my headlight and hood opening and boy was that a nasty removal job.
SubyTrojan says:
11:17 AM, 06/ 3/08
Imagine if the Ford GT had a hood scoop! j/k :o)