Engine air vents

[Jon Bisson GSY]

Hi,
I am getting very frustrated with the vents on the rear corners that feed the engine bay and the fact the louvres act as great funnels for rain water into the engine bay. Having just welded up the hole in the engine bay the previous 20 years on water ingress had caused, I want to find/make some different ones that have the louvres facing down, or at least almost horizontal.
I was wondering if anyone knew of different options or had the same issue.
Thanks,
Jon

[Jon Bisson GSY]

just read through the wiki about dripping and fabricating gutters, but does anyone have any thoughts on whether a downward facing version would cause any problems. I think I may fabricate some next week.

[peasant]

Going by the dirt marks on mine (left behind from driving on mucky roads) I'd say that VW did put some thought into the shape of them things ...at least as far as provision of enough air for the intake is concerned. They seem to be sucking in rather a lot of it.

Different shape may lead to problems.

Soak the area at the bottom in waxoyl and all will be well.

[Jon Bisson GSY]

I think they're well designed and no doubt the air churn around a van in motion works in getting air into them, but I can't help but think that their will be air flushing from below as well. The key factor may be to make sure they are pretty much horizontal.
Maybe the need for the down vents is to make sure there is a possitive push of air, rather than a swirling effect. I was sure I had seen some ones with 'bug catcher' style air intakes poking out from them on more performace vehicles. Probably custom alloy jobs.