Helpful ReplyMy 2019 718 Cayman GTS PDK

The Boss is not always right but he is always the Boss.
When it comes to warranties the Boss has the last word. It would however be good if his word was always the same. Rightly or wrongly.
 
 
Ray

I have a 2016 981 Cayman GTS and like you Brian wanted to fit motorsport grilles but have been too nervous whilst it was under warranty. With that expiring in April, I have plans to remove the front bumper and fit grilles from behind much like Clive has done on his 997
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=613041
 
I also enjoy track days and am interested in what wheel alignment changes you have in mind for your Cayman? I’ve also swapped Pirelli’s for a set of Michelin’s at the end of last year but not done a track day with them yet. Both tyres and pads all round we’re needing replacement at 10K miles.
 
Phil

Philthechip
I have a 2016 981 Cayman GTS and like you Brian wanted to fit motorsport grilles but have been too nervous whilst it was under warranty. With that expiring in April, I have plans to remove the front bumper and fit grilles from behind much like Clive has done on his 997
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=613041
 
I also enjoy track days and am interested in what wheel alignment changes you have in mind for your Cayman? I’ve also swapped Pirelli’s for a set of Michelin’s at the end of last year but not done a track day with them yet. Both tyres and pads all round we’re needing replacement at 10K miles.
 
Phil

I am awaiting a response from my OPC regarding the grill and warranty issues. I asked the question whether or not a punctured radiator caused by stone damage would be replaced under warranty if no protective grills were fitted.
 
Regarding the wheel alignment settings, I shall be posting before and after values on this thread following the work scheduled for February 22nd.
 
Brian 

Zunsport Grills
 
Today I received an official response from OPC Chester to my two questions on the fitment of Zunsport protective grills.
 
Just to reiterate, my questions were;
 
1."In the event of a stone impact puncturing a front radiator causing a loss of fluid, would the replacement parts and labour be covered by the manufactures warranty?"
 
2. Would Porsche Centre Chester agree to fitting the Zunsport grills to my car?"
 
The response below was very much as expected.
 
"I have spoken to my workshop manager regarding the two questions you have asked and unfortunately a stone puncture is something that is not covered by the warranty.
 
Also we are unable to fit the radiator grills as this fitment is not Porsche approved and we are not allowed to fit this."
 
Bearing in mind the type of driving I do and the predominately rural road touring mileage, I am fearful of having stone hits on the front radiators resulting in a loss of cooling fluid and a breakdown recovery event. My touring activities often involve remote locations where mobile signals are not always reliable. I could effectively be stranded with no alternative but to abandon my car at the roadside while organising assistance. That prospect, however unlikely, does not appeal.
 
The evidence thus far of driving only a total of 1100 miles on UK roads in the winter, is that stone hits on the front radiators of the 718 Cayman GTS are a frequent occurrence. The stone impacts compress the fragile aluminium grill matrix, and over time, will reduce the cooling efficiency of the radiators. Probably to a greater extent than the negligible airflow restrictions of the Zunsport grills.
 
I am already monitoring the engine fluid temperatures closely, and I shall continue to do this. My thinking at present is to bite the bullet, (pardon the pun), and fit the three Zunsport front grills as protection against being stranded at the roadside. After fitment, if engine fluid temperatures show any discrepancy from the previous "open grill" values, I shall reconsider the situation.
 
My plan is to remove the grills before submitting my car for servicing. I shall take careful precautions to protect the air intake apertures with discrete black adhesive tape so as not leave any evidence of the grills having been fitted.
 
Any comments on the above gratefully appreciated. 
 
Brian                        
 
 
 
     

Thank you Brian.
 
Very helpful and reassuring comment. 
 
Regardless of one's own conviction on the choices available to such dilemmas as the grills present, it's always helpful to have the views of others on the topic. 
 
Brian
    

Removing grilles pre service is exactly what I do
wot the eye can’t see....;-)

As the above say, fit the grills.  I've previously had them fitted to my 981 and toured Europe in the summer with them fitted many times (in Portugal we drove in temps exceeding 40c) and did not notice any problems with either water or oil temps.  I now have them fitted to my 718s and although I have not yet tested them in Europe (will do this June) I don't expect to see any adverse temperature related problems.  If I do I'll simply remove them from the car.

I have Zunsports fitted to my 981 GTS and renewed the warranty in October. Porsche Silverstone took photos and contacted Porsche GB for advice. The final response they got was that it was up to the centre, who then agreed to a 2 year warranty extension on my car. I think the problem is there is no consistency from different OPC's. They will not fit them for you though, but the new Zunsports are really well designed and easy to fit and look factory. Ironically after they had finished the 111point check they parked my car out front next to a GT4 with OEM grills fitted, which just makes the whole process a bit hypocritical! 

I made up some grilles for my 987.1S years ago and they have now passed to Archie ( AKA Contraband ) who is still using them on his gen1, they are much finer grilles than the Zunsport on my 987.2S and no elevated temps on either car but having come from an aero engine testing environment if there is enough restriction to drop the air pressure behind the grilles then there is a drop in air temp too. As long as there is through flow sufficient to cool the rads all stays cool and there is a greater restriction in flow caused by the arch liners behind the rads so if it copes with that then grilles will have no effect on cooling anyway. Basically it is more important that the downside of the air passage isn't restricted or the fans stopped from operating and that can happen on some models when a stone gets thrown into the blades and jams the fan. Also you're in Scotland not noted for its heatwaves.

Brian,
 
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