Lower & Upper Grille Block Ideas (Toyota Echo)

[CigaR007]

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

pics of lip?

weather is warm here so ive been thinking about it too

Haven't done it yet. The deflectors I made were for improving the cooling efficiency of the smaller opening on the lower grille.

[CigaR007]

Currently working on my version of an active grille block. I am going for a fully automated version using two 12V door lock linear actuators. I want it to be governed by a temperature relay, meaning it would only open when the coolant starts flowing into the radiator (circa 184F).

There will be 2 small leds. Blue for cooling (open grille) and red for warm (closed grille). Still have to figure the necessary electronic components and circuit/wiring diagram. Shouldn't be too hard given my avionics background !

Basically, the two actuators will push and pull my previously made and unused foam grille block (the middle one). I figured it must be put to good use ! Stay tuned for more info and schematics in the coming days !

[CigaR007]

This is what I had in mind.

I was wondering how efficient the cooling airflow would be when the grille block is open.

[HyperMileQC]

Did a great job here for the grill block! It is aeromod like this that make the difference! Keep up the good job.

[Tango Charlie]

You may get better airflow if you round corners and put the plug behind the opening like this;



I would also suggest spring loading the block to the open position as a fail-safe.

Also, maybe you could get a larger opening for the same actuating distance if you use a cone-shaped plug? I dunno.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

You may get better airflow if you round corners and put the plug behind the opening like this;



I would also suggest spring loading the block to the open position as a fail-safe.

Also, maybe you could get a larger opening for the same actuating distance if you use a cone-shaped plug? I dunno.

A good brain-tickler lest we be blinded by the pursuit of mpg,then inadvertently cook a perfectly good engine.Good engineering!

[CigaR007]

Thanks for the input Tango Charlie.

Here is my initial idea for an active grille block. I think I am better off adapting my initial setup ! The 3 aerodynamic flaps are behind the grille opening and would necessit a much smaller travel distance for adequate cooling.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post215535

[CigaR007]

Thought I would post an update of the ongoing active grille block conception

I am almost done with the foam casing that will hold the active grille.

I finally settled on a floor register for the variable opening of the grille. It will be controlled by two door-lock actuators. They will act as a pulling horizontal actuation on each side of the floor register. Only one actuator will be active at a time and pull a bicycle brake cable in order to OPEN or CLOSE the grille opening.

I will make a drawing for those who are more "visual"

Hopefully the whole mechanism will be operational by the end of month.

Cheers !

[HighMPG]

I like where this is going.

[CigaR007]

I finished shaping/sanding/cleaning the active grille casing today and the outside temperature was mild so I decided to apply a few coats of primer. Still needs some sanding and I intend to paint the upper half with my car's matching paint.

Once that will be done, I will concentrate on the mechanism. That casing will actually remain on the lower grille, with the floor register open until I finish the electrical and mechanical aspects of the active grille. Should provide an additional aero benefit in the mean time.

Here are some pics.