Lower & Upper Grille Block Ideas (Toyota Echo)

[CigaR007]

I have started building a better a upper grille block for the echo. Cut some coroplast to match the red area.

Added a layer of styrofoam to provide better insulation. I am waiting the carbon fibre vinyl wrap to arrive in order to finish it.

Should be better than the one currently installed.

[CigaR007]

How about using a wiper motor and converting it to an actuator-type movement for the lower grille block mechanism ?

[alohaspirit]

a wiper motor might work

(but it moves both way)

maybe a power door lock actuator?




any mpg gains off the grill blocks?

[CigaR007]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

a wiper motor might work

(but it moves both way)

maybe a power door lock actuator?

I've looked into door lock actuators and the moving range is limited ( +- 1 inch).

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

any mpg gains off the grill blocks?

It's hard to say since the temperature has dipped this past week (-22F). Filled the tank last night and it came out at 36 MPG.

Warm up time is definitely faster though. Still need to install the improved upper grille block.

[CigaR007]

Fan kicked in yesterday @ 204F while stuck in traffic. It came on and off a few times. I don't think it should pose a problem considering it's the first time it came on since the lower and upper grille blocks installation.

[CigaR007]

I finally installed the improved upper grille block today. It looks quite good to be honest.

It has many advantages over the previous version. It features a dual-layer (coroplast + styrofoam) for better insulation. The styrofoam-coroplast add-on now allows the grille block to be "flush" with the hood which could improve the laminar flow upfront compared to the stock grille opening. It is also impermeable and easy to clean due to the carbon-fibre-style vinyl wrap.

I lent my camera to my brother so the pictures will have to wait.

Stay tuned !

[alohaspirit]

you used a vinyl wrap huh, i thought about that (but with 3m window wrap)


did you unscrew the grill to wrap?

[CigaR007]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

you used a vinyl wrap huh, i thought about that (but with 3m window wrap)


did you unscrew the grill to wrap?

Yup. Removed the grille and cleaned it. Used some tie-wraps to hold the coroplast/styrofoam onto the grille. The black vinyl wrap was then used to cover it all. Took a few hours to properly apply it though. It paid off because it looks cool.

I really wish I had my camera...

[CigaR007]

I averaged 54.2 MPG over my 30-mile commute this morning. Warmer temperatures are definitely helping, big time. Already looking forward to this summer !

[alohaspirit]

nice!

no pics yet?