octanejunkie
Elite Member
While this grille mod is seemingly aesthetic, it has also proven fairly functional - potentially increased airflow (due to fewer obstructions) and fewer bugs in the AC condenser core; the latter being the most noticeable.
The stock grille has huge open spaces that allow fairly large objects, bugs specifically, through effectvely blocking birds and boulders.
Photo borrowed from a post by [MENTION=124311]john.diachenko[/MENTION] in the thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/109468-post-your-satoshi-mod-pics-here-18.html
Depending on the size screen/grille material you choose, you can effectively increase airflow by removing a large obstruction (seen in the stock grille above) as well as block bugs the size of a bee that would normally pass right through the stock grille of any year and lodge themselves in your AC condenser core, impeding performance of your AC.
Are there any downsides to the satoshi mod? Well, yes, beyond the cost and time, you weaken the grille by removing structural material. What this means is a greater chance of breaking the grille in the event of a front end impact or contact with an object on the trail. Potentially a penetration risk too, as there is less material to keep large objects from getting through, but if you pierce your grille on the trail you probably have bigger problems.
While there are purists out there that bash this mod, as well as other mods like projector retrofits, I have found this mod to be an effective upgrade as well as a unique look among the mostly-stock majority of 3rd Gen 4Runners out there.
So if you were looking for reasons to justify what seems like a pointless and vain mod, here they are:
Just wanted to post my positive experiences with this "useless" mod
The stock grille has huge open spaces that allow fairly large objects, bugs specifically, through effectvely blocking birds and boulders.
Photo borrowed from a post by [MENTION=124311]john.diachenko[/MENTION] in the thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/109468-post-your-satoshi-mod-pics-here-18.html
Depending on the size screen/grille material you choose, you can effectively increase airflow by removing a large obstruction (seen in the stock grille above) as well as block bugs the size of a bee that would normally pass right through the stock grille of any year and lodge themselves in your AC condenser core, impeding performance of your AC.
Are there any downsides to the satoshi mod? Well, yes, beyond the cost and time, you weaken the grille by removing structural material. What this means is a greater chance of breaking the grille in the event of a front end impact or contact with an object on the trail. Potentially a penetration risk too, as there is less material to keep large objects from getting through, but if you pierce your grille on the trail you probably have bigger problems.
While there are purists out there that bash this mod, as well as other mods like projector retrofits, I have found this mod to be an effective upgrade as well as a unique look among the mostly-stock majority of 3rd Gen 4Runners out there.
So if you were looking for reasons to justify what seems like a pointless and vain mod, here they are:
- -increased airflow (maybe)
- -blocks bugs, less maintenance of AC condenser core
- -opportunity to be creative and personalize your front end
- -costs less than $100 and can be done with your kids or significant other (modding on family time)
- -it just looks cool lol
Just wanted to post my positive experiences with this "useless" mod
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If any, probably a few ounces...
