How to build a partial Grill Block for a Caravan/Town & Country

[SVOboy]

This would definately be good for the winter, and it would depend on the summer. I have a grill block on my car I leave on in the summer and it's fine,

[popimp]

Originally Posted by Saratoga

Interesting idea. Is it too soon for results? I have a 2003 Town & Country. How much highway driving to you do? Thinking this would be good for the winter but not the summer in upstate NY?

I've had the block on since June 16, 2007. I didn't have any problems with the van over heating even in a very HOT Biloxi, MS summer. The highest I've seen the van get is 220F according to the SG2, and barely underneath the half way mark on the van's temp gauge. I can't say exactly how much improvement you'll see, but if you look at my Gas Logs you can see an improvement in my overall MPG starting on June 17. This may be a combination of driving habbits, SG2, and increased PSI on the tires.

[alohaspirit]

correct me if im wrong

but wouldnt a grill block be better on the outside?

i mean, air is still pushing between the fins of the grill with no place to go

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

correct me if im wrong

but wouldnt a grill block be better on the outside?

i mean, air is still pushing between the fins of the grill with no place to go

It should create a pocket of dense air that is like a smooth surface, so the penalty should be small, but still there. At least as I understand the principle.

[alohaspirit]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

It should create a pocket of dense air that is like a smooth surface, so the penalty should be small, but still there. At least as I understand the principle.

I remember on mythbusters when they were testing mpg in pickups
and how a regular bed created a cushion of air which the air off the cab rolled off
(it was better than an open tailgate)


its probably somewhat similiar
but i wouldve thought that securing a piece over the grill would be easier and more effective

(probably aestetic?)

[Jethro]

All the picture links aren't valid anymore.

I am interested in making 'inserts' for my Ram.

[1986RFDiesel]

Originally Posted by Jethro

All the picture links aren't valid anymore.

I am interested in making 'inserts' for my Ram.

Yeah, is there any way to update the photos posted to this howto? I'd be interested to see too.

[thatguitarguy]

This is a view of the temporary block on my T&C. The T&C has one big grill, while the Caravan had the grill sectioned, which I think you probably have with your Ram.

I just taped some paper over the grill and traced the outline of the edge with a sharpie, cut that out, and used it for a template on the cardboard that I'm using for the block. Then I just poked some holes in it, and looped some zipties through the grill and cardboard to attach it. I did paint it so it didn't stick out like a sore thumb, but I didn't trim the ends from the zipties, so you can see them in the photo. I will make a more permanent/removable block, but this was mainly to see how it would affect my engine temps. It's a little warmer, but not dangerously so. But I know that when I want to carry a heavy load, I will want it removable.

Good luck.

[Arragonis]

Is there an issue with any pics being posted as attachments from now on (in terms of bandwidth and/or storage) to keep the forum "integrity" intact ?

[thatguitarguy]

It seems like it's the responsibility of the submitters to maintain those links, and not that of ecomodders.com. You can upload pix to your own album, or you can link to something like photobucket, or you can link to pix on other links.

If the submitter doesn't keep up with his photobucket account, apparently they will deactivate that account and kill the link.

Can't bring back the dead...