Front License Plate Reduces Performance?

[Theo Caldwell]

This video states that a centered plate restricts airflow to intercooler - affecting performance.


Is there a good arguemnt for relocating the front license plate to the side? I like the aesthetics of keeping it centered but a performance improvement is pretty compelling.

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[HammaMan]

If you have a turbo motor, it's blocking most of the intercooler's air.

 

[Atlee]

If you have a turbo motor, it's blocking most of the intercooler's air.

Why did Ford move the licence plate to the center of any truck that had the 3.5L EB engine? My 2014 truck had the offset plate. Ford began centering the plate sometime after that. Why would they do that if downgraded performance?

 

[GreyBeard]

Yeah it's funny, my 2012 had it offset. I believe there were several info videos that explained that restriction and turbo heat sinking problems when towing. Luckily, I don't have to worry about this in my state.

 

[Kanuck]

It would be interesting to see if the performance dose improve by removing the license plate and bracket. Either on the street or dyno. If so, how much of a difference.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

As the guy states part way thru the video, if you have front sensors then this mod will not work. Probably why Ford moved the plate holder to the center location to make room for front parking sensors. I got all excited watching this only to be told nope, can't do it.

 

[FrankSJ]

I have the skidplate and wonder if this will work and not mess with the sensors, might give it a shot

https://stonsho.com/collections/tru...te-for-2017-2019-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-sns115

 

[Cheeeese]

Builtright makes one, and according to the site, it should work without issue with the front sensors. It should just be a matter of the right location.. should is the key word there.

https://builtrightind.com/products/ford-license-plate-mount-ford-f-150-2021

 

[powerboatr]

In theory the disrupted air flow might cause issues
But the louvers stay closed or open depending on Temps, mode.
Etc
Personally . The plate is disruptive in the overall look
I have knocked off mine a few times
But now it's a secondary buffer for hooking up on front hitch

 

[imnuts]

Can it reduce performance? Sure. Will it actually reduce performance for everyday driving? Doubtful.

How often are you actually driving in boost long enough to get the intercooler heat soaked? Towing is the only time I could realistically see this being an issue, and I would guess that you're probably pushing the truck too hard if you get there and only delaying heat soak by a little bit if you were to remove the plate holder.

 

[HammaMan]

Can it reduce performance? Sure. Will it actually reduce performance for everyday driving? Doubtful.

How often are you actually driving in boost long enough to get the intercooler heat soaked? Towing is the only time I could realistically see this being an issue, and I would guess that you're probably pushing the truck too hard if you get there and only delaying heat soak by a little bit if you were to remove the plate holder.

If you haven't already removed the intercooler slats, they open as the throttle is pressed. I removed the slats to maximize intercooler airflow. They also open more when its warm.

 

[Eighthtry]

You can get any lost power back by installing a K&N filter. It is good for 50 hp and 100 lbs of torque.

 

[Kanuck]

I had one on my 2011 XLT 3.5 EB....made no difference in performance or gas mileage. Waste of money as far as I am concerned.

 

[HammaMan]

You can get any lost power back by installing a K&N filter. It is good for 50 hp and 100 lbs of torque.

That's not how it works. The intercooler cools charge air. A K&N doesn't change this. Besides, all a K&N does is allow fine dust into the motor. No thanks. If you keep your vehicles, only run quality paper filters. This isn't the 90s/early 2ks. Science / info is much more ubiquitous and the cat is out of the bag on oiled cotton filters.

 

[powerboatr]

If you haven't already removed the intercooler slats, they open as the throttle is pressed. I removed the slats to maximize intercooler airflow. They also open more when its warm.

yup
here in the HOT summer with max ac the louvers are open wide on radiator and i assume' the intercooler as well
if i recall snakebitten has provided some temp data from the sensors he monitors on inlet air temp

i am sure we could live stream in forscan the louver actuators to see which mode, etc has them all open of partially .

drive mode, outside temps and throttle is all jumbled in the brain to decide how open they are

i was going to take mine off of the intercooler, but around here we have so many freaking flying 3/8 sized rocks, i figure the louvers give me some protection .
my 2013 i had a grill insert in the big HOLE in front of the intercooler, it had road scars from junk

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