Crimson Crawler got grill block
 

So the other morning, probably a week or two ago, I made my first ecomod on the new car. Using some leftover LDPE foam from packages at work, I made a grille block!

I'm noticing improved warmup times; between .75 and 1.5 miles shorter.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/...1d2c673eb8.jpg

It's similar to pipe insulation foam. Not quite the same stuff, but it was available, free, and it's really easy to work with. a couple quick slices with a pocket knife and about 10 minutes.

Now, to start on the coroplast underbelly. I have one 2x4 foot piece of white at home to start with...

That's defiantly the first foam one iv ever seen :thumbup:
I would just be scared of the foam melting or something if it got real hot in the engine bay, my coroplast one warped just a little from the hot engine temps (and hot days I guess)
http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1269541511

The space between the grille and the rad is between 6 and 8 inches; I hadn't thought of that. Thanks though - I'll be sure to check on it. I've heard of other people using pipe insulation foam, or buying a pair of flip-flops and cutting them into strips that fit in between the grille bars.

Never thought about using flip flops, that might be a pretty good idea...
I want to use plexy glass how mine is now so you can see through it and it look 1/2 normal looking :)

I had a 2001 Elantra GLS. Back then the upper grill was part of the hood, and was held on with four screws. This allowed me to completely remove the grill to make my block.
Here is what my block looked like when it was done.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/emgarage-...aeacd0f30f.JPG

I just bought a GT, a month after you bought your GLS. Mine had 86,000 miles on it, with a manual transmission. Good to know that you have the same year Hyunda Elantra, though not exactly the same model!

I curious -- what do you see for engine temps with your grille block? My Elantra already goes just above the center level on the heat gauge, driving in 50 degree F temps. I need to see if my cooling system is working 100% before I try anything with the grille.

well, I've NEVER had the fan come on in my car, even with the grille blocked at temps of up to 75 F. Max water temp I've recorded was 192 F on the ScanGauge. My needle at max temp is about 1 "needle's-width" below the white line in the midde of my gauge. I don't know if you have the same size temp gauge as me or not. Mine doesn't even begin to MOVE until 150 F. The first "quarter" mark is about 175, and I think the middle mark would be 200 if it ever got there.

I think it's perfect. If you do get a little warm, once summer comes, you can easily pop it out piece by piece until it's again perfect. I'd go ahead and block the top slot to see how it performs.

The problem with blocking the top one is that the upper portion of the "grille" (the top chrome line) is actually the hood. So every time I open the hood the very upper line would fall out. I haven't figured out a good way to take care of it, but I shall.

O I C. Hmmm....