Rob's DIESEL VW Polo Build thread

[robchalmers]

I'm going to do a internal grill block when i replace the rad this weekend, I was also thinking of putting in a rad blank across the majority of the surface in order to bring the temps up quicker.

Sadly i can't find any smaller rads with out going Alloy, and that would improve the cooling + its a bit out of my price range!

[vtec-e]

But isn't it less cooling you need? Save your money and get a bog standard one. You'll be blocking it off anyway. Good luck with the repairs Rob.

[robchalmers]

yep - got a bog standard one off the car I took the bumper, grille etc from all Rads are common (according to brief internet searches) on the 6N polo :thumb up: makes things easy!

[320touring]

Originally Posted by robchalmers

I'm going to do a internal grill block when i replace the rad this weekend, I was also thinking of putting in a rad blank across the majority of the surface in order to bring the temps up quicker.

Sadly i can't find any smaller rads with out going Alloy, and that would improve the cooling + its a bit out of my price range!

There are several different sizes of rad listed on GSF's website- maybe worth seeing them side by side?

As for the rad block- I dont think that'll help it heat up quicker- surely the thermostat keeps the coolant in the block until Operating temp reached?

[robchalmers]

good point well put.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by ConnClark

A warm air intake on a diesel reduces fuel economy as well as power and increases NOx emissions. No body benefits from a warm air intake on a diesel

Yep on a d best to cool the intake or make the intake bigger and move it to suck from a high pressure cooler location. On old NA 6.2s dual snorkles was popular because you gained a noticeable amount of power and a bit of fuel economy.

It is OK to heat the fuel on a diesel and that can have certain positive side effects But don't heat the air.

[vtec-e]

Originally Posted by 320touring

As for the rad block- I dont think that'll help it heat up quicker- surely the thermostat keeps the coolant in the block until Operating temp reached?

True, but the cold air coming through the rad will help cool the engine directly as it blows onto it. Mine was blocked completely last winter and i barely got it above 85 deg c. with the block. Without the block it took longer to get to a max of 80 deg c. I agree though, it's a small gain but it sure helped me last winter.
I must point out that i never do motorway speeds and never stop pulse and gliding. If i drove normally the engine would overheat for sure.
So it's a case of horses for courses maybe?

ollie

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by robchalmers

the hammer - not sophisticated but does the job

Rob - Assuming the big square thing at the back is the air filter where does the pipe coming out of the left go to ? If you want to experiment maybe an upper grill block with that pipe just behind an opening to get the coldest air into it ?

You've also turned my head now Mr Chalmers - I keep looking at every example of this Polo and checking it out for the 1.9D badge...

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by 320touring

As for the rad block- I dont think that'll help it heat up quicker- surely the thermostat keeps the coolant in the block until Operating temp reached?

I think the block makes this happen faster though especially if you have a fairly big grill like older cars (think The Sweeney Cortina ). My uncle has a Landy SII with a wide open mouth and his heater starts working much sooner in winter with his radiator 'muff' (steady - its like a glove...) on than when not.

Once its up to temp then the thermostat should keep it there ?

(I use the ? so some expert can come along and correct my ramblings...)

[robchalmers]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Rob - Assuming the big square thing at the back is the air filter where does the pipe coming out of the left go to ? If you want to experiment maybe an upper grill block with that pipe just behind an opening to get the coldest air into it ?
...

the box is the intake chamber the filter is in the front corner of the bumper. the intake itself is in the front wheel arch.... odd huh. thinking about moving it to the grille area to get cool air in a ram effect.

when I change the rad tomoro I'll try and remember to take pics while I've got the bumper off