First Eco-Mod!
 

Well I finally did it. My first Eco-Mod, I thought I would go very simple and start with the basics: A grill block. I did one last night with cardboard but, being an extremist, it just wasn't enough for me. The cardboard was bending, I knew I couldn't wash my car otherwise it would sog and tear. So how to solve this problem? While at work a co-worker and I were discussing this and he asked me, "Why not just use a mud-flap?" I said "You know, that just might work" since I work at a warehouse (I'm security, I just walk around in the yard checking the fence and what not) I picked up a mud-flap, not the heavy rubber kind, but the plastic kind. After 2 1/2 hours of work, here are the results. Thoughts?

[Edit]: I plan on coloring over the zip-ties with black marker in the morning, it's so cold outside it's not even funny and I couldn't feel my fingers by the time I was done.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3410/tync.jpg

It looks good, especially visualizing black zip ties.

One potential problem. On my Corolla, I have the setback grill opening as well. I blocked the grill like you did inside the cavity and I saw no measurable results, other than higher temps. You might need to push it out, but I say test what you've got and see what happens.

Grill Block (First Mod!!!)

Wait setback grill? Which one is that? There is like 4 holes in he front of the darn car lolz.

That being said, I took it for a test drive, doing 70 for about 5 minutes, my engine still didn't heat up past 1/4 the gauge. It's just to cold outside right now to get an accurate reading. Oh well.

Oh also, when you do make your next one, I would recommend using a mud-flap as well, they are great for this sort of thing (you can find them on the side of the freeway all the time).

I believe that he refers to the grill being set-back inside the front bumper, instead of being flush.

I think I'm going to order a strip of "Clear Bra" and try that across
my grill before I do anything permanent.
I'm curious to see the effects, if any, on temps and MPG
The only drawback I can think of is in the openings the adhesive on the back of the material will attract dirt and look crappy after a few days

Has anyone ever tried this before?

The mudflap looks good! I'd think it'd be a good material.
Why not cut two pieces of clear bra and stick them together? Then there's no exposed adhesive. Just remember to leave enough exposed to stick to what you want. :thumbup:

I can't speak for MPG, but I definately noticed a difference in coasting speeds I can coast and maintain speeds while in neutral where I never could before. On top of that, both the people I carpool with noticed a drop in noise inside my car while on the freeway.

I just realized that you have 100% of the grill blocked. It may be cold outside, but you might consider cutting it back a bit. You do have something to monitor the temp right?

It is always wise to continue to monitor engine temps, but I have found zero issues with temperatures even with 100% blocks in warmer conditions. I've never had my guages get past 49% on the dummy guage, and never past the ~225 range on the thermostat without it dropping down. If I get worried I just turn on the heat...lol

This is for the Mustang and the Insight, no experience with it for the Escape.