Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > Aerodynamics
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 04-26-2009, 03:30 PM   #1 (permalink)
Boxhead
 
whokilledthejams's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredonia, NY
Posts: 322

Boxy Brown - '04 Scion xB
90 day: 35.48 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Send a message via AIM to whokilledthejams
New grille block...

...now with about 1000% less appearance of being hastily slapped together.



It's made of aluminum flashing, some toggle bolts, and washers. Including the tinsnips, I've got about $20 into it. It looks nicer than spraypainted coroplast, too. The bottom opening is only about 1/2 blocked -- I made a full coverage one for winter.

I also got my cruise control installed (the Rostra kit meant for the xB & xA). It took about three hours to do in my driveway, and works great. I'm going to Rochester this weekend, so we'll see how much it helps on the interstate. Even if I have no or negligible mpg gain, it will make long trips much easier.

__________________
  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 04-26-2009, 03:35 PM   #2 (permalink)
Dartmouth 2010
 
SVOboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hanover, NH
Posts: 6,447

Vegan Powa! - '91 Honda CRX DX
Team Honda
90 day: 66.52 mpg (US)
Thanks: 92
Thanked 122 Times in 90 Posts
Send a message via AIM to SVOboy Send a message via MSN to SVOboy Send a message via Yahoo to SVOboy
Bling bling
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2009, 03:39 PM   #3 (permalink)
Boxhead
 
whokilledthejams's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredonia, NY
Posts: 322

Boxy Brown - '04 Scion xB
90 day: 35.48 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Send a message via AIM to whokilledthejams
Quote:
Originally Posted by SVOboy View Post
Bling bling
Eh, a little. It matches the Moon discs.

I did consider polishing the grille block, but after spending the whole of my Saturday lying in or under my car, I figured I didn't need the extra hassle.
__________________
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2009, 10:43 PM   #4 (permalink)
Deadly Efficient
 
Tango Charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Goshen, Indiana
Posts: 1,234

Olivia - '03 Pontiac Vibe base
90 day: 36.01 mpg (US)

R2-D2 - '00 Honda Insight
90 day: 58.81 mpg (US)
Thanks: 134
Thanked 176 Times in 91 Posts
Sweet!
If you do decide to polish them up, I would recommend Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish compound. You can get them to look like mirrors with the stuff.
__________________
-Terry
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 12:31 PM   #5 (permalink)
Harebrained Idea Skeptic
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 211

The White Car - '84 Mercedes-Benz 300td
90 day: 28.84 mpg (US)

The Blue Car - '86 BMW 535i
Last 3: 23.86 mpg (US)
Thanks: 19
Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts
Nice! It's good to see someone doing a DIY aero mod that doesn't look like you-know-what!
__________________

  Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2009, 02:29 PM   #6 (permalink)
Pokémoderator
 
cfg83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 5,864

1999 Saturn SW2 - '99 Saturn SW2 Wagon
Team Saturn
90 day: 40.49 mpg (US)
Thanks: 439
Thanked 530 Times in 356 Posts
Shawn D -

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn D. View Post
Nice! It's good to see someone doing a DIY aero mod that doesn't look like you-know-what!
I agree. You can call it the "matte chrome" look.

CarloSW2
__________________

What's your EPA MPG? Go Here and find out!
American Solar Energy Society
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2009, 10:04 PM   #7 (permalink)
Boxhead
 
whokilledthejams's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredonia, NY
Posts: 322

Boxy Brown - '04 Scion xB
90 day: 35.48 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Send a message via AIM to whokilledthejams
Quote:
Originally Posted by cfg83 View Post
Shawn D -



I agree. You can call it the "matte chrome" look.

CarloSW2
Thanks, guys!

__________________
  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread




Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2000 Caravan grille block: is it for me? Christ General Efficiency Discussion 1 04-15-2009 09:49 PM
Partial grille block - Fully duct tape jesse.rizzo Aerodynamics 12 02-18-2009 05:12 PM
Temperature controlled grille block Piwoslaw Aerodynamics 19 11-09-2008 10:24 PM
Grille block: front or back and top or bottom? 07b2300 Aerodynamics 11 07-07-2008 10:19 PM
Full Grille Block: Upper Grille DifferentPointofView Aerodynamics 12 02-28-2008 10:14 AM



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com