Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Reinstalled Grille Blocks ... Few Questions

Miller88 · 10-10-2012, 11:06 AM

First cold morning yesterday. For some reason my Focus just doesn't make heat quick - the dealer claims everything is working correctly.

My 8 mile drive to work was cold until I got to the last half mile; then the car started making some heat.

I blocked off the lower grilles from the outside with b lack duct tape, then blocked off the INSIDE of the upper grille with the same duct tape.

Good news is - I had the same amount of heat within 3 miles this morning! I was at full heat and engine was at full temp by the time I got to work (according to digital temp gauge).

So I have a few questions.

If I blocked the upper grille from the inside ... does that have any affect on aerodynamics?

If the engine warms up quicker, I'm assuming that will cause a bit lower internal resistance (oil, trans fluid) and help mileage a bit.

Also, since the engine draws in it's air from the engine bay, did i effectively make a WAI? I'm assuming this will also help with mileage.

I can't wait for the first real cold snap to see how good the heat is!

10-10-2012, 11:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miller88 Master EcoModder Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NY state Posts: 501 XJ Cherokee - '00 Jeep Cherokee Sport 90 day: 12.96 mpg (US) FoFO - '11 Ford Focus SE 90 day: 36.78 mpg (US) Thanks: 1 Thanked 51 Times in 38 Posts	Reinstalled Grille Blocks ... Few Questions First cold morning yesterday. For some reason my Focus just doesn't make heat quick - the dealer claims everything is working correctly. My 8 mile drive to work was cold until I got to the last half mile; then the car started making some heat. I blocked off the lower grilles from the outside with b lack duct tape, then blocked off the INSIDE of the upper grille with the same duct tape. Good news is - I had the same amount of heat within 3 miles this morning! I was at full heat and engine was at full temp by the time I got to work (according to digital temp gauge). So I have a few questions. If I blocked the upper grille from the inside ... does that have any affect on aerodynamics? If the engine warms up quicker, I'm assuming that will cause a bit lower internal resistance (oil, trans fluid) and help mileage a bit. Also, since the engine draws in it's air from the engine bay, did i effectively make a WAI? I'm assuming this will also help with mileage. I can't wait for the first real cold snap to see how good the heat is!