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RedDevil · 11-11-2014, 05:37 AM

I would not bother with a full block and an extra rad.
The aero gain from a full block compared to a near full one is minimal.

You need to be very careful with (near) full grill blocks as you run the risk of raising the under hood temperature too much.
Sustained temperatures higher than 40°C / 104°F can damage the 12V lead acid battery.
Cars with EGR also do not benefit from really hot air; mine does best at 30°C.

You need to monitor the engine air intake temperature. That is a good indicator of general under hood temperature.

Another good one is coolant temperature.
My car opens the valve partly at 81°C and fully at about 91°C; I guess for me it is best to keep the temperature in that range.
I have an UltraGauge set to monitor both IAT and coolant temp. I add to or remove from my grill block to keep in range.

11-11-2014, 05:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
RedDevil Master EcoWalker Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Nieuwegein, the Netherlands Posts: 3,999 Red Devil - '11 Honda Insight Elegance Team Honda 90 day: 53.59 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,714 Thanked 2,247 Times in 1,455 Posts	I would not bother with a full block and an extra rad. The aero gain from a full block compared to a near full one is minimal. You need to be very careful with (near) full grill blocks as you run the risk of raising the under hood temperature too much. Sustained temperatures higher than 40°C / 104°F can damage the 12V lead acid battery. Cars with EGR also do not benefit from really hot air; mine does best at 30°C. You need to monitor the engine air intake temperature. That is a good indicator of general under hood temperature. Another good one is coolant temperature. My car opens the valve partly at 81°C and fully at about 91°C; I guess for me it is best to keep the temperature in that range. I have an UltraGauge set to monitor both IAT and coolant temp. I add to or remove from my grill block to keep in range. __________________ 2011 Honda Insight + HID, LEDs, tiny PV panel, extra brake pad return springs, neutral wheel alignment, 44/42 PSI (air), PHEV light (inop), tightened wheel nut. lifetime FE over 0.2 Gmeter or 0.13 Mmile. For confirmation go to people just like you. For education go to people unlike yourself.