2nd Gen xB Grill Block - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

jthistle · 08-05-2008, 01:11 AM

Here is the grill block I just made for my car.

I need some black tape to finish it off. I have been trying to improve my mileage for about 2 months now and can get in the range of 32-34 mpg. I just received my scan gauge and I thought the grill block would be a good place to start. On the 2nd Gen xB the upper grill only showed about 0.5" of radiator the rest was dead space. So I hope the block will have little impact on my coolant temp. After a couple tanks I will report back.

aerohead · 08-13-2008, 03:36 PM

Looks good! Keep a good eye on that temp gauge.Summer temps don't want to be your engine's undoing.

jthistle · 08-13-2008, 04:00 PM

I do a reverse commute that is 87% highway. Even when Chicago was having those hot and humid days a week or so ago the highest I have seen is 202 while sitting at a stop light, the fans kicked on at 200 and the temp was back down to 194 in no time. As soon as I started moving after the light the temp dropped with no problems. On the highway I stay at 190 all the time. Since adding the block I think I am on my way to my best tank yet. I was actually thinking about replacing the coroplast with something more permanent like a combination of urethane foam and fiberglass which could be made smooth finish and painted. There are two other features on the bumper I would also like to fill, will post pics later. I'm also thinking about how to make an easily removable lower grill block for the winter.

jthistle · 08-13-2008, 07:24 PM

Here is the block with the black tape. Along the sides of the bumper near the bottom you can see the fake brake ducts. those are the next things I am going to cover.

Xringer · 08-13-2008, 10:38 PM

Wow, that air dam looks really low to the ground.. How high is it?

Nice looking tape job!

Cheers,
Rich

jthistle · 08-14-2008, 12:18 AM

So, the my first tank with the grill block got me a new best mpg of 35.5. My previous best was 34.1.

Quote:

that air dam looks really low to the ground.. How high is it?

That is the stock bumper. Its just the angle I took the picture at, I'll get a measurement tomorrow.

Xringer · 08-14-2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthistle

So, the my first tank with the grill block got me a new best mpg of 35.5. My previous best was 34.1.

That is the stock bumper. Its just the angle I took the picture at, I'll get a measurement tomorrow.

That's a very good gain!

Without being able to see a shadow or even the wheels very well,
it looks like it's sitting right on the ground.
Almost like one of those hovercraft things! LOL!

jthistle · 08-14-2008, 08:50 AM

Here is a picture off Edmunds. As you can see the car is not very low.

Xringer · 08-14-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthistle

Here is a picture off Edmunds. As you can see the car is not very low.

It looks like the frame at the bottom of the doors is below the center
line of the axle hub. Meaning the body blocks more air off your tires
than some vehicles. The bottom of my CRV's body is above the axle hub.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...r/CRV/M083.jpg
So, I've got a lot more rubber exposed to the air flow.
Benefit? more ground clearance for speed bumps at the mall..