Grill Block Poll. - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

redpoint5 · 08-01-2017, 12:07 PM

I noticed the grill block reduced warm up times, but didn't notice an improvement in MPG. Too many other variables at play that any improvement would be lost in the noise.

ecocruze · 08-01-2017, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I noticed the grill block reduced warm up times, but didn't notice an improvement in MPG. Too many other variables at play that any improvement would be lost in the noise.

Will have to agree. Warm up is ridiculously fast now yet watching torque the temps don't seem to get excessive at any point. My explorer guzzles when it's cold.

slowmover · 08-01-2017, 01:59 PM

The four-piece grille block for my Cummins-engined pickup is what I install for temps above 41F (below that is the full coverage MOPAR under hood "winter-front") and depending how high ambient temps are (and whether I hook up the 35' trailer), it helps in warmup, but more importantly keeps coolant temps higher when lightly loaded on the highway.

I leave the upper two pieces in place during hottest months. I was advised by a Cummins engineer to not allow higher than normal op temp; will admit I sorta cross that line, but not in a serious fashion.

I believe that mpg improvements are marginal, but faster temp rise -- and temp stability -- make it worthwhile.

Mine is cut from a heavy plastic. Uses two short bolts, fender washers and wing nuts per piece to hold against grille.

.

freebeard · 08-02-2017, 12:39 AM

I'm starting to become a believer. I have a first generation Passat/Dasher and it runs cold. The third genneration Passat had a nose that looks like this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Passat#B3...

The VW emblem is hollowed out for a snorkel. I think I can reproduce that look with a piece of sheet metal and a Mexico Beige rattle can.

t vago · 08-02-2017, 12:52 AM

I am going to re-do my grille with this stuff.

It's a 3' x 3' square of black aluminum perforated 20 gauge sheet. The holes are 1/8", and it has 40% open area. Hopefully, it'll give about as much improvement as a corplast sheet at low speeds, but allow more airflow than corplast at highway speeds.

freebeard · 08-02-2017, 03:06 AM

That's the stuff I want for a Kammback visor on my lift-back rear window.

gone-ot · 08-02-2017, 02:59 PM

Unfortunately, that "grille" becomes OPAQUE to airflow at higher speeds, slowly approaching a solid blockage eventually. It's sorta like *how* the holes in microwave oven door/window screens stop the microwaves from coming out and cooking YOU.

teoman · 08-02-2017, 08:39 PM

Isnt that what you want?

My cars front area is like that. Could they have designed it that way one wonders. If that is the case, i have new found respect for the engineers.

ecocruze · 08-02-2017, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teoman

Isnt that what you want?

My cars front area is like that. Could they have designed it that way one wonders. If that is the case, i have new found respect for the engineers.

That's what I would want. City driving is when you need better airflow due to start stop. Highway your really not using that much power therefore not generating a lot of heat

freebeard · 08-02-2017, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

Unfortunately, that "grille" becomes OPAQUE to airflow at higher speeds, slowly approaching a solid blockage eventually. It's sorta like *how* the holes in microwave oven door/window screens stop the microwaves from coming out and cooking YOU.

An example of 'vena contracta'. I'm thinking at right angles to the flow at the rear of the roof it would be a non-issue. Maybe a piece of perf metal painted body color for my grille block?