Finally Did a Grille Block - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

PAFirefighter11 · 01-13-2014, 05:46 PM

Just got around to doing a grille block. I found some black duct tape that is a near match to the OE black on my HX. Not that I care since this car is purely my commuter, and I'm not trying to make a $500 car look good!

Here are the POS cell photos:

I'll grab some better quality shots when free time arises.

California98Civic · 01-13-2014, 06:55 PM

That'll work, but watch your temps. Yours is even more enclosed than mine, and on long hill climbs my temps rise to the middle and high 190s. In such situations, I will run the heater sometimes to prevent the temp crossing 200. But I think I miht need a new radiator fan or thermostat or something too. Did you duct what air come in the remaining opening into the radiator?

PAFirefighter11 · 01-13-2014, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by California98Civic

That'll work, but watch your temps. Yours is even more enclosed than mine, and on long hill climbs my temps rise to the middle and high 190s. In such situations, I will run the heater sometimes to prevent the temp crossing 200. But I think I miht need a new radiator fan or thermostat or something too. Did you duct what air come in the remaining opening into the radiator?

I have only 1 hill climb on my trip to work. It's approx. 1 mile and not sure of the grade, but nothing too intense. The same hill on the way back is a shorter hill, around 1/2 a mile.

It's FREEZING here in winter (As low as -2°F so far this season). Summer definitely can hit the upper 90's with high humidity, but I figured as that rolls around I'll have a better setup than this, or can duct it at that point as you said.

Xist · 01-13-2014, 08:29 PM

Personally, I prefer mine, although I really need to do A-B-A, I just always feel too busy, and if I ever did the things that I feel that I need to do instead of A-B-A testing, I would feel much better about myself.

Meanwhile, I have new Tetris turns!

PAFirefighter11 · 01-14-2014, 01:19 PM

I'm already catching slack from co-workers about it. "You put duct tape on your car?!" Yep... I put duct tape on my $500 car. I'm a bad man lol.

UltArc · 01-14-2014, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

I'm already catching slack from co-workers about it. "You put duct tape on your car?!" Yep... I put duct tape on my $500 car. I'm a bad man lol.

Get ready for the "your cars gonna blow up!" comments.

California98Civic · 01-14-2014, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

I'm already catching slack from co-workers about it. "You put duct tape on your car?!" Yep... I put duct tape on my $500 car. I'm a bad man lol.

Tell them you get heat faster, the car saves fuel, and the engine stays warmer longer in between trips. You save a little money (a little) and you're more comfortable. Luxury!

NeilBlanchard · 01-15-2014, 02:03 PM

Did you block off any openings in the "chin" area, so that all air that goes in the opening, goes through the radiator?

PAFirefighter11 · 01-21-2014, 12:41 AM

Wow. Just an MPG update. FWIW: I use the same pump at the same station every time I fill up. This past tank I got stuck in traffic twice, for a total of 45 minutes of additional stop and go traffic. The tank before I got stuck once in traffic. This is the first full tank with the "aero mods" on the front of the car.

UltArc · 01-21-2014, 01:19 PM

Nice work! Other factors are surely in play, but there is sure to be a difference.