Bodywork, Paint, Interior, Trim, & Wiring

I have recently completed my V6 swap and am overall pleased with how things have gone. I want to turn my attention to ensuring that as much hot air is removed from the engine bay as possible without putting in hood vents or exterior fender vents. Essentially keep the exterior as stock as possible so the car is a sleeper, sheep with a wolfs engine so to speak.

I have been reading that a good way to go is to put vents in the inner fenders through to the wheel wells but wondering where to cut them in and how to finish them off. I don't have the exhaust going through this area so was thinking of putting some form of louver there instead.

Has anyone done this, what did you use, where and how much to cut out without structural issues. any pointers would be great.

Several people have done this. Probably the best location is going to be in the relatively large mostly flat area behind the suspension. Loads are spread out in that area and forming trim will be easier. I'd stay away from the more contoured sections. The forming there allows the metal to carry higher loads so you should try to avoid weakening it. The area in front is another possibility, giving a shorter path out from the radiator.

One other consideration. If you use the typical RV-8 location it means a simpler path should someone wish to install a V-8 on down the road.

Jim

Does this actually achieve very much?
Typically, the wheel arches would be a high pressure area when the car is moving, and have minimal airflow when it's not.

Ivor

For an idea of where to cut holes in the inner fenders, here's photos of my car prior to installing the engine with RV8 headers.

Ivor, I think you have that backwards, the wheelwell is a low pressure area and will suck the hot air out of the engine bay when moving. And yes, quite a few owners have reported very significant improvements in cooling with the holes. Incidentally, the airflow out of the engine compartement is generally enough to prevent splash from the tires from entering the engine bay.

Jim

Paul, here's what I used. Was able to scrounge an old locker from a golf club locker room. The remains of the locker now hold paint in a friend's shop. My car is a '77 with a chrome bumper conversion and a Rover 3.5 and an early Mustang radiator. I've never had any issues with overheating.

The general consensus is that they very much do help with getting the trapped & heated air out of the engine bay.

I have seen heavy mesh screen welded in where Phil did his (ala Kurt Schley), to louvers to real fender exit louvers. Or RV8 headers with a bit larger hole. Personal preference & style.

Boating louvered vents come in a nice variety of shapes & styles that could be adapted for this purpose.

Carl said: "I have seen heavy mesh screen welded in where Phil did his..."

Ref: early 1970s Aston Martin V8

A set of these welded where the RV8 holes are will let the heat out:

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