Abstract: A modular active grille shutter system that includes a frame connected to an automobile at a location forward of an engine or energy source such as a battery pack. The frame is formed from assembling several different sized components to create a cooling aperture. The modular active grille shutter system also includes an actuator pocket in the frame, the actuator pocket has an aperture and a surface that forms side walls of a pocket and the surface also includes a vane connection side. There is a plurality of alternate actuator output axes located within the actuator pocket, which depending on the actuator design they represent different possible locations for alignment of the actuator with the three vanes.