'98 Frontier Grill Block - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Bow · 12-22-2009, 11:37 AM

So I'm thinking about how to attack the grill block on my truck...

I'm thinking that the entire grill in the chrome can be closed off and leave the lower portions open for cooling.

BTW, The 9' whip and dual Band Antennas stay on... part of the hobby that keeps me sane during my 50 mile one-way commute it Houston traffic...

Comments?

Daox · 12-22-2009, 11:39 AM

Thats probably a safe bet. I know you have a scangauge coming, so watch coolant temps just to be sure.

Bow · 12-22-2009, 11:57 AM

Roger that! I will keep an I on the temps. The funny thing is, my '91 240SX (same engine) only has a lower opening...

(Photo removed to stop questions about off subject modifications to my car)

So I'm betting I'll be OK

MetroMPG · 12-22-2009, 12:56 PM

While you're working around that area of the truck: if you're not emotionally attached to that bug deflector...

Bow · 12-22-2009, 01:06 PM

I was wondering about that.

Even if it is not a flat one, it still screws up the air flow.. or let me guess.. that is how they work...

thatguitarguy · 12-22-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bow

Roger that! I will keep an I on the temps. The funny thing is, my '91 240SX (same engine) only has a lower opening...

So I'm betting I'll be OK

Keep in mind that the same engine in a larger vehicle will be working harder. The truck has more Cd, Fa, and weight, and if you use it like a truck, it will be pretty heavy sometimes.

I read about how much people blocked off, and thought I could get away with both top and bottom blocks on my van, and get all the air from the smaller center holes. Once I started to climb mountains it became clear that I needed more air, and I removed the lower block. No more problems for now, but it is winter. I doubt that you'll have the same problem in Houston.

You don't have the hills, you do have more air, but you also have more heat.

You have the gauges you need, so that's good, but I would suggest starting with something easy and temporary, so you don't make something nicer that you end up having to throw away. Cardboard looks tacky, but it's generally free and easy to work with.

Think about something modular, so when you do have to carry a heavy load, you can remove a section or two, easily.

MetroMPG · 12-22-2009, 01:46 PM

It's way better than the flat plate style I think you're thinking about, but still screws up the flow. Just have to decide how badly bug splats bother you!

Bow · 12-22-2009, 02:45 PM

Hell, this is Houston.. Bugs are the least of the problem.. it is the rocks, concrete, boards, gunfire, etc that has me more worried

Bow · 12-22-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguitarguy

Keep in mind that the same engine in a larger vehicle will be working harder. The truck has more Cd, Fa, and weight, and if you use it like a truck, it will be pretty heavy sometimes.

Roger that, I tend to use it more as a commuter

Quote:

I read about how much people blocked off, and thought I could get away with both top and bottom blocks on my van, and get all the air from the smaller center holes. Once I started to climb mountains it became clear that I needed more air, and I removed the lower block. No more problems for now, but it is winter. I doubt that you'll have the same problem in Houston.

You don't have the hills, you do have more air, but you also have more heat.

Agreed. I will be concerned in the summer, but with the Scangauge I'm waiting to get, I can keep an eye on it.

Quote:

You have the gauges you need, so that's good, but I would suggest starting with something easy and temporary, so you don't make something nicer that you end up having to throw away. Cardboard looks tacky, but it's generally free and easy to work with.

Yes. Temp to prove that point is good. except cardboard and rain don't mix very well...

Quote:

Think about something modular, so when you do have to carry a heavy load, you can remove a section or two, easily.

Yes, I still want the truck usable, if need be. The Box cover/aerocap will be down the road a bit...

dwtaylorpdx · 12-22-2009, 05:21 PM

On my Jeep Wrangler (Possibly the worst CD in the history of automobiles... The bug deflector helps my mileage, by about 1 mpg.

I used to have a light bar, that I used for antennas because it allowed the bar to rotate, I could lay the antenna flat behind the cab when I only cared about receiving and tilted it up when I wanted to actually talk to somebody. Took about 5 seconds to turn the bar. I always wanted to motorize it but never got around to it...

Dave