Spring mounted Grill Block

[cfg83]

Hello -

I tried the C23 spring but it was too weak. Instead I went with the C21 spring :



This is closer to the results I originally wanted :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaeAHRUrS8c

At 40 MPH it is closing but not quite closed :



At 40 MPH + my original C7 springs, it was fully closed.

At 50 MPH it is fully closed :



I am going to leave "v 2.0" alone for the week. Then I think my next step (on Deezler's advice) will be to reduce the size of the flap so that it reduces the frontal area. I want it to close over the intake vent, but not extend down as much. I will trim off the sides because they are not blocking anything that is not already blocked, are away from the hinge and are therefore subject to being more "flappy". Because of the reduced "wing area", I will "reset" to the original C7 spring. This is the plan :



This arrangement will (hopefully) test whether the extension is influencing my results.

From what others have posted, I also realize that I can "stack" the springs based on the weather. For instance, in July/August, I may "double-up" the springs to reduce the blocking effect. If I do it right, I won't have to sacrifice zip ties in the process.


CarloSW2

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[cfg83]

Hello -

I had a setback this week when my water pump started to leak at 175K miles. Complete details here :

Classic water pump coolant leak? - SaturnFans Forums

I don't think this was the fault of the mod. I am pretty sure it started to leak 6 months ago, but the weather was cold enough for me to "muddle along" with a slow leak. Also, I replaced my radiator 13 months ago at 155K miles, so I think this is just normal wear and tear.

However, I wouldn't disagree with the argument that the mod made the pump fail a month or two early (i.e. before high summer).

CarloSW2

.

[cfg83]

Hello -

Ok, today I drove to work and had pretty hot weather :

Weather.com
Sky:         Partly Cloudy   
Temperature: 87.5°F
Humidity:    16%
Pressure:    30.01 in.
Dew Point:   33°F
Visibility:  9.5 miles

Unlike earlier in the week, while driving on the freeway and using the C21 spring, the coolant temps just wouldn't creep down as easily. This leads me to believe that this mod will have to be toned down or removed in the summer months.

I'll stick with the "v 2.0" wing shape for a few more days while I add springs to reduce the degree to which it closes.

CarloSW2