Mazda factory-installed condenser protection in 2005?
 

Following the widespread forum advice for new RX-8 owners, I have been planning to install screens to protect the a/c condenser and oil coolers. Reading through the various posts on the merits of Hymee, Racing Beat, and DIY solutions, I was quickly convinced of the dangers facing the unprotected radiators. Apparently Mazda must have listened to the complaints on this subject, because when I went to look at the condenser to see how the different screens would install, I found that Mazda had beaten me to it. In the attached photos you can see the narrow screen that was installed at the factory (Aug 05 build) to partially protect the condenser. I haven’t seen anything posted on this, but with the enormous number of posts on condenser screens, I might have missed it. Is this new? Think it will provide sufficient protection? Since removing this screen could lead to warranty concerns, it would appear that the Racing Beat screen is out of consideration. Does the Hymee screen fit on bumpers with the appearance package spoiler lip?

Well looky there, how about that. I have on 04, so I don't have that, but I am curious as to how much Mazda would want for one of those.

Yep....it's new alright. Never seen one before.

Not much chop, but. I'd be buying better protection than that.

Oil Cooler still unprotected ? ...

its not covering the whole thing .... but the Condenser should be fine for now ...

Anybody know when the new thing came into being? I have an '05 with a build date in, I think, Dec '04...

Yes, the oil coolers still appear to be unprotected from the factory.

For the condenser, it looks like the supports for the partial screen would make it pretty easy for a DIY extension to what Mazda provided. It seems to be an improvement over nothing, but not as extensive coverage as the RB screen.

For those that drove without a screen for a while, did you see damage and/or bent cooling fins above the lower ~ 1/3 of the condenser?

Most of the condenser got "owned" before the owner notice that its not protected. It has been discussed like millions of times.

I got my Screen before bad stuff happens.

Finally doing something Mazda, but only 1/2 screen? and what about Oil Cooler ?!

Does it really cost that much to have some screen to protect expensive Condenser/Oil Cooler ?

weird, mine was build in Aug of 05 also and I have no screen. Bastards

Pic of condenser damage after stone went through the upper grille area......luckily it didn't puncture the tube.

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...chmentid=71774

I did an install on one of these a couple of weeks ago. If it's the same as the Aussie version there are a number of spots where you can use cable ties to attach the grille. I'll dig out some pictures shortly.

Protection.....
 

The condensor is many times more likely to get damaged than an oil cooler. The thin aluminum and the exposed tubing edges make it a real target. The oil coolers are much more solid, possibly steel, and their fin design actually protects the tubing from impact.

S

Ok, attached are a couple of pictures. Sorry they're not that flash. First one is before installation. You'll notice there is black plastic along the bottom. In this black plastic are some small holes (one is marked with an arrow). There is enough room to squeeze a cable tie between the black plastic and the coloured dam and this can be used to attach the bottom of the grille. Attaching the top requires drilling 3 holes and attaching using the supplied stainless steel nuts, bolts and split washers. There are two other holes (like Mazda had planned to add a grille but changed their mind) which we also use to attach the top.

The last picture shows it installed with a couple of the cable ties marked. The end result is that no ties or screws are visible from the front so the install looks really good.

Thanks to Nocty for letting me experiment with the installation on his car.

Cheers

sco

So has anyone come up with a way for Mazda to cover the cost? I just found out last week that my condenser is damaged ( apparantly from rocks ). I don't mind paying for the repairs, but it would be nice to know if there is any updated info. Thanks

I have an early 2005 and I don't have that screen. I would have noticed when I was pulling tumbleweed out of the condenser after I managed to hit one on the way back from Sevenstock 8.

That was an exciting few moments before I found out there was no damage at all...

RX-8s must like tumbleweeds... all I found were the bones...

Early 05 also and not factory screens. Had to upgrade it myself.