Installing A Center Radiator On Your 981 Boxster/Cayman - Part 2: Flushing Your Cooling System And Installing The Radiator

When you remove your front bumper, this is what you're left with:

This is what's behind the bumper for PDK and PAS equipped 981 Caymans. Your vehicle may differ.

Or at least for us, this is what we have going on behind the bumper. What may be lurking behind your 981's face depends on what options you have. As our Cayman S came equipped with PDK and the adaptive cruise control, our side radiators have the "open" ducts that channel air from the front trim piece that clicks into a frame attached to the bumper and surrounds the PAS radar sensor.

Other 981 Boxster and Caymans may have the same "open" ducts that we do, but do not have a frame attached to the bumper, as the block off plate eschews that frame and connects to the bumper itself. And still other 981s have "closed" ducts with the block off plate in the center.

Installing A Center Radiator On Your 981 Boxster/Cayman - Part 1: Face/Off - Removing Your Front Bumper

For most 981 Boxsters and Caymans, the stock cooling system is adequate enough for day to day use with the occasional romp on the loud pedal.

However, if you have a highly modified 981, live in hot climates, or like to take your car out for track days or otherwise extended "fun" driving sessions, you might find your coolant temperatures going up to a level that's too close for comfort.

The stock radiators are two units located on the left and right side of the car, and by adding an additional 3rd radiator to the center of the bumper, you increase your cooling capacity and ability (as well as extra peace of mind in hot weather).

The stock side radiators on the left and right sides of the bumper. Also: rock and twig magnets.