Ok Ok Ok damnit! Now I have to admit that I have one! I bought one of the Arospeed front mounted cold air intakes about a year and a half ago. It fit on my 97 Civic without a problem. Of course I already had my bumper off and was replacing it with the black widow kit at the time. I could see how it would be a bitch to put on without removing your stock bumper though. Anyways, I only have a few complaints so far:
1.) The replacement filters from Arospeed are too costly! However, I rarely drive the car and think it's quite possible to swap them out with a filter from your local Advance or Pep Boys. I can't be for sure as I've not ever changed mine yet.
2.) There was no noticeable difference in power from this front mount as compared to a normal CAI.
3.) Since my 97 has the upwards facing throttle body (as compared to a side exit) the connection point between the tubing and the throttle body (connected with a blue rubber like connector) is not the best. The tubing sets too much to the side of the engine and puts alot of stress on the connector.
As far as the front mounted intake sitting in front of the radiator, that was not a problem. I can only vouch for my setup, but mine sits almost below the radiator with just an inch or more above. Not to mention that my 97 has somewhat of a "flat plate" in front of the radiator anyways. The front mounted intake doesn't go higher than the plate and I couldn't see how it would steal any air from my radiator. Besides, the Arospeed comes with a plexiglass plate on the front anyways. The plate makes the air circle around and almost come in the back of the intake. This plate can also be removed for full straight airflow from the front.
I'm not advocating buying one or telling you not to make the purchase, I'm just giving my .02 cents worth of info. If you have any further questions or concerns, fee free to contact me.