2013 Chevy Cruze Mod Thread

[BrandonMods]

Also one more though for modding, I have been thinking of using self tapping screws and a-fixing air dams along the pinch rails. Before I do this however I am planning on doing some tests to see how much suspension travel I have before I do this so they do not drag on the ground. What do you think?

[jedi_sol]

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[Eastwood]

Here's some of the velro going on to the grill:



I did add some more velcro at the tips and left and right edges. Might come back later with a more complete picture of that.

And here's the finished product (for now)!



I might end up redoing the middle and top one just so they follow the shape more accurately, but they doesn't look terrible from several feet away.

It's a pretty warm day here, ~88 degrees F, and the engine temperature seems quite fine so far.

The blocks didn't fly off up to 50 mph. We have some pretty strong winds from all directions here on the NWA plateau, so we'll see if they hold up in cross winds. I'm only a little concerned due to the grill's honeycomb structure not giving a lot of sticking surface. I did have to reposition one strip and it was not easy to pull it off of the grill so hopefully the adhesive is strong long term. There was also zero residue so that's hopeful for if/when the cover is not needed/wanted.

[tvbd56]

Originally Posted by Eastwood

Getting ready to do the rear wheel air deflectors.

Here's a picture of the rear wheel air deflectors on a Cruze Eco, courtesy of user 99LeCouch:



Is it just me, or could that go further towards the outside of the car? It's missing almost a 1/3 of the tire. Surely that's not the best that can be done?

Here's what it looks like from the other side on my non-Eco Cruze:



Notice the gap between the side skirt and the wheel well.

From what I read about the tire spats, they left the spat off of that 1/3rd of the tire is because the air hits the spat and deflects around the tire, but if you extend the spat across the whole tire then air will deflect farther than necessary and you'll just add more drag to the car.

[Eastwood]

Originally Posted by tvbd56

From what I read about the tire spats, they left the spat off of that 1/3rd of the tire is because the air hits the spat and deflects around the tire, but if you extend the spat across the whole tire then air will deflect farther than necessary and you'll just add more drag to the car.

Ah, good point. Thanks! I'll look into this. It will make things a bit easier if that's the case.

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by Eastwood

I'm only a little concerned due to the grill's honeycomb structure not giving a lot of sticking surface. I did have to reposition one strip and it was not easy to pull it off of the grill so hopefully the adhesive is strong long term. There was also zero residue so that's hopeful for if/when the cover is not needed/wanted.

maybe just zip-tie the velcro onto the honeycomb?

[Eastwood]

Originally Posted by jedi_sol

maybe just zip-tie the velcro onto the honeycomb?

That's a great idea! Most of the honeycomb doesn't have an actual opening behind it, unfortunately. If you look at the very first picture in the thread where the openings are outlined in yellow, I think you can see the problem.

I might end up doing that for the lower grill cover since it's open all the way across. Thanks for the good idea

[BrandonMods]

Very nicely done! I definitely do like them. Do you have a way of monitoring whether or not your fan is kicking on? Also how did you figure your the size for the opening on the middle grill block?

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by Eastwood

Most of the honeycomb doesn't have an actual opening behind it,

If that's the case, then you dont really need to cover the front!

Tests on EM shows there is very little difference with blocking the "front" of the grill vs. blocking the "back" of the grill.

Unless you are going for the absolutely best laminar flow......

[backpacker3]

Nice job! I'm hoping my block will look as good as yours.