My 2005 runabout (and I think also the basic spec 4/4s that followed) has 10 louvres per side on the top only. The rear 6 are over the heater intake box.
With the 4-cylinder engine I don't think any more are needed for cooling - the air inlet/filter box is at the front, behind the rad but with a cold air intake pipe below. A secondary benefit of having fewer louvres is that water doesn't get onto the cam cover and plug leads.
Full louvres look nice of course but I can't say I feel deprived. I did wonder (briefly) about having them added but have got over it!
I did notice that the "anniversary" 4/4 with full louvres had one missing to accommodate a sheepskin bonnet strap. Sensible I suppose (if you like straps - I don't) but would look odd if you left the strap off! The anniversary model I saw also had 8 louvres per side, pressed inwards, with the strap running over them. Perhaps that's the reason for "innies" - if they are positioned where a strap would rub. The position of side louvres does seem to vary with the model.
The 4/4 Sport seems to have no side louvres in some photos and 8 in others.
Nigel
Last edited by nputtick; 13/10/09 03:53 AM.
