Although I happen to like the look of the side vent and believe it allows the relief of the traditional engine compartment high pressure buildup at speed, I found an alternative method of improving air flow through the engine compartment (EC) without cutting the fenders or foot wells. As mentioned in previous posts, the installation of a simple panel on the bottom of the forward 1/3 of the EC frame supplemented by a soft panel covering the lower third of the bottom radiator tank and extending to this EC panel, high pressure is stopped from developing within the EC at speed. With these panels installed, air moves more freely through the radiator and compartment with extraction assisted by the low pressure created at the following edge of the EC panel. Also, these panels can be easily removed.
The result, similar to hood louvers or fender vents, no gradual temperature rise at speed with no obvious modifications. Keep in mind that vents and louvers help to eliminate a high pressure blocking buildup within the EC at speed and do little or nothing to reduce heat at slow or no speed.
All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)