Front license plate vs. intercooler

Is there really a difference in day-to-day driving if the front plate is placed where Ford designed it to go? I have to run the front plate. I don’t like the offset one (smarfworks); the sto n sho looks fine but it still blocks half that intercooler. Does it really matter? I mean, I could always get a Cobb intercooler but don’t want the dealer to have any reason not to warranty things.

I would never recommend blocking airflow through any heat exchanger when at all possible, especially with something like a license plate. You will definitely have higher charge air temperatures with the air flow restriction, which will reduce power and efficiency. 2011-2014 F-150s with the EcoBoost had the license plate mounted to the side of the charge air cooler (CAC) opening, while V8 models did not. Running the V8 plate bracket on an EcoBoost resulted in engine damage to many trucks. I don't see how it could be a warranty issue if the OEM bracket is used; I just looked back at my photos and realized my 2018 F-150 XLT 3.5 had the bracket in front of the CAC as well.

Pretty sure it says in the Raptor supplement of the owners manual: To remove the front plate for best off road performance.
My 2011 and 2014 Ecoboost F150s had the side mount plate so I don't mind the look. I also moved the plate to the side on my 2017 and 2020 Raptors. I've been playing around with turbocharged vehicles since 1988 and I'll never be convinced that blocking flow to the intercooler is a good thing.

Huh. Looks fine off center. It's a pickup, not a Picasso ... and if it was a Picasso, it would be off center.

I have never put the front plate on. And I have never been pulled over because of it. I’m in Southern California so that might be a factor

Kyle761 said:

I have never put the front plate on. And I have never been pulled over because of it. I’m in Southern California so that might be a factor

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Same, I'm in Texas. I also drive a 1999 Dodge Cummins 5spd 24v farm registered truck with ranch-hand bumpers, never had a front license plate on it. I have never been pulled over, ever lol. Fast forward, I was passing a highway patrol & my rear license plate light was out, so he pulled me over. He subtly brought up the front plate and I told him I didn't have one, he said "that's fine, if you weren't given one then you are okay." Got a warning for the light and was on my way. Got home and bumped my light with my fist and it came back on lol. Well, I bought my 2018 raptor used from a private party, he didn't have a plate on the front either, just the rear. Just had it inspected and registered with no problem and haven't had any problems with no front plate ether. If I do get pulled over in Dallas for it, I will simply tell them I was not given one.

again I have not run the front plate since I got my 17 4 years ago. Never been pulled over..I've got a ADD front bumper and I'll be damn if I'm drilling the crap out of it just to mount a worthless front plate.. I do carry my front plate in the truck just in case its ever needed

Front plates are just a money grab. If they were about anything else, they wouldn't let me drive in your states without one. To be honest, I'm kind of surprised a case hasn't been brought to challenge them as it makes no sense that people from out of state aren't held to the same law.

I have 2 locations I use to attached my front plate...on a tow hook and on the front but 3-1/2" lower than the original front plate location.
Pic taken when both are still attached.

It’s easy to move the front plate even lower than the original position by using the original plastic plate holder (installing it upside down though to align the plate holes to the grill holes). No drilling holes required. And I used two toggle screws to secure it.
Also I can move the tow hook attachment at the back hook for off road flag whip.