I can post a pic tonight. Easy enough to describe though, the "chads" on the new one are very precisely cut into four identical squares per block. The old ones were jagged or blocked off entirely throughout the square. It is an improvement no doubt but the weather here is in the upper 60's and I still got a warmer than outside temperature flow. The fix works to a degree, I was just thinking that it would work better than it did. You have nothing to loose by getting it done as it takes about 10 minutes.

replaced w/ 66811-9z001 top left
66810-9z001 top right

I love having time to read seven page posts on things like this while at work. I'll be going to the dealer to get this fixed shortly. I am nearly at 36k, but have the 100k extended warranty so I should be good.

Thanks All

Ahhh, okay. Sounds like the chads this time are just better formed, but still block most of the air... Hmmmm.

I'm already done and de-chadded, so I'm not sure I'm gonna do it. Cutting them all out was a bitch and a half!

I would like to get a new snap-pin for one corner though - it gave up the ghost after a few de/installations.

I think I'll wait until I see the pix - if you could post 'em or Email 'em to me that would be awesome, and much appreciated.

Post them, with 7 pages on this subject, I think we all want to see the new ones.

* I do appologize for the pix, new camera (Sony DSC-F 707) and new to imagestation

Thanks for these pics. They do look "Cleaner" and look like it would work better, but you say it's still blocking air? Maybe then I will just punch out my own. Again, Thanks.

With the info provided in the last few posts I got my cowling replaced by my dealer with the new-style one.

Warranty fix, zero dollars. 3 days for the new cowling to arrive after my phone call asking them for the fix and 1 hour in the service department getting the swap made. Kudos to Streeter Nissan of Reno. Anyway...

The "chads" in the new one are, as previously stated, much better formed and in my estimation wouldn't block as much air as one of the malformed original cowlings did. However, they will probably block more air than one that has already had the "de-chadding mod" done to it.

My take...

If you have already de-chadded and are happy with the results, don't bother getting the new cowling.

If you are thinking about de-chadding and haven't done it yet, get the new cowling and try it out first. If you still want to go the de-chadding route after trying the new cowling out for a while, the design of the "chads" in the new cowling will make de-chadding a little easier to accomplish. It has only 4 attachment points per "chad" (vs. the old cowlings' 8 attachment points per chad) to take the razor blade to.

THAT is a lot of chads my friends.

What happened to the pics?? I'd like to see myself. I have a 2002, and the little holes are neatly formed, but tiny. I may drill some of mine out as well.