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Old 09-08-2009, 12:39 AM   #16 (permalink)
orange4boy
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,124

The Golden Egg - '93 Previa DX
90 day: 31.91 mpg (US)

Chewie - '03 Prius
90 day: 57 mpg (US)
Thanks: 70
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I always thought the main reason for a grille block was aerodynamic. The faster heating a side benefit becoming greater in winter. I found these numbers recently. Someone posted them and I'm trying to find the original source.

sources of aero drag: from Toyota Nation Forums

Cooling package (including radiator, intercooler, oil cooler, etc) - 33.4%
Exterior - 31.7%
Front wheels - 13.1%
Rear wheels - 6.9%
Floor - 6.9%
Rear Axle - 3.1%
Engine - 3.1%
Front Suspension - 1.4%
Exhaust - 0.7%
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