Even if you don't get the car ceramic coated, get the wheels ceramic coated (not just the outside, either). Well worth it and much easier to clean vs non-coated.
OK, I have an update, but it's only half the answer we have been looking for:
According to Jonathan Gesek, we can close off those openings without it having any effect on the performance of the vehicle or any of its systems. These are NOT related to aerodynamics, brake cooling, or anything...
My last motorcycle (the one I was hit on when I lost my leg) was a 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 - essentially the same thing as the ZX14, but with slightly different ergos and luggage/screen (for SPORT touring), a few different internals, and a different tune, again, focused on ST.
Sure do miss...
Someone I work with is friends with Jonathan's boss.
I gave him my questions, a pic, a link to the YouTube video, and my email address. I'm hoping this gets passed along to Jonathan and I get some clarification for everyone (including myself).
Jonathan has become somewhat of a celebrity...
This statement proves one thing and one thing only: You ASSume too much.
I'm likely one of the most ANTI-union people you have or will ever meet in your life.
My comments have absolutely NOTHING to do with the UAW.
Another one who doesn't have a clue how things work.
And I have yet to find an...
Just ordered a pretty cool accessory.
I use my DeWalt 20V MAX cordless blower to dry the DH off after washing. Works great and removes 98% of the water, as the car was recently ceramic coated.
While it works, it is somewhat awkward with the 21" long nozzle.
I happened a across a 4.5" nozzle...
Your car does NOT have to be ceramic coated in order to benefit from the use of a foam cannon. IMHO, not having it coated might be an argument in favor of it over a non-coated car, as the dirt and debris will 'stick' to that uncoated car more than it will a coated car.
As long as the engine isn't knocking and pinging, the only price to pay for using lower octane fuel is performance. You're not damaging it.
That said, I'll always run 93. It's $1.01 more per gallon @ Costco right now, but that's a choice I make.