View Single Post
Old 02-12-2010, 03:49 AM   #28 (permalink)
rmay635703
home of the odd vehicles
 
rmay635703's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere in WI
Posts: 3,891

Silver - '10 Chevy Cobalt XFE
Thanks: 506
Thanked 867 Times in 654 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by ahanix1989 View Post
Ahanix

Mine does not have a separate transmission cooler, it just uses the lower part of the engine radiator. Can I block the grille from the back? And if so, where should I be doing -- the top grille half, bottom grille half, or bumper steps? I'd assume top half because it won't interfere with the transmission-end of the cooling.
Yes.

The upper half on a dodge and blocking inside is OK, however if your trips are under 20 miles and you have good temperature guages for the transmission and radiator just block the whole thing during winter months. Otherwise to block your grill especially on a dodge couple your grill block with an air dam that goes nearly to the ground, that will improve airflow through the grill and reduce air resistance under the van. It is critical that the transmission get enough airflow to cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by ahanix1989 View Post
Since I plan on doing all kinds of body work to the van before painting, I may as well remove the radio antennae and bondo over the hole it leaves behind -- I accidentally drilled through my CD player so the radio functionality doesn't work (and neither does the volume knob!).... I'd really like to find a functional "sharkfin" antennae to replace it.
Antenna doesn't do much on a big rig like we drive.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ahanix1989 View Post
Everyone is telling me to remove the roof rack, but I kinda like how it looks. Makes it look less "cargo-y". I don't believe it has AS MUCH of an impact as the really large roof racks people put on smaller cars... this is two bars going across the sides.
Roof rack remove will have a slight MPG improvement, especially on the highway, much more worthwhile than antenna remove and even sweeter if you can figure a way of having it installable when needed as well as removable when not.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ahanix1989 View Post
It'd be really nice if I had some kind of option for my windshield wipers. GMC was smart enough to recess theirs, but my Dodge has them sticking out.
Minor issue, much more drag off your square rearend, non aero wheels and under the vehicle

Speaking of which, rear fender skirts and pizza oven wheel covers do have FE effects.

Good Luck
Ryan
  Reply With Quote