Lower & Upper Grille Block Ideas (Toyota Echo)

[CigaR007]

Last two full tanks with improved upper grille block :

47.77 MPG
47.24 MPG


Previous 2 tanks without improved upper grille block :

44.70 MPG (improved grille block installed @ half tank)
44.42 MPG


Disclaimer: not an A-B-A test results.


Not sure what to make of those numbers. There is definitely a gain, although I am not convinced it would be as high as 3 MPG.

[alohaspirit]

good numbers


i might have to take off my lower block

i have a 4 mile one-way commute and if the weather is warm or theres traffic

temp goes over 200F

(the highest it hit was 215F going up my hill for 10 sec)



temp is fine if weather is cool and i catch all the lights

[CigaR007]

Spring is here and the lower grille block is too restrictive. Fan has kicked in a few times over the last couple of days.

I did not increase the opening, but I did build a sort of "duct" to channel the incoming air towards the radiator. I haven't tested it yet, but it should bring down the coolant temperature.

Will post pics tomorrow as it's too dark outside.

[CigaR007]

Here are the pics.

Did a test run, and the coolant remained stable @ 184F to 188F. I intend to close all the gaps, especially the one on top of the sidewalls.

[CigaR007]

Well, seems the lower grille block is too much, even during Spring. Coolant temperature at 205F is too high IMO (207F triggers fan). Much rather have it in the 180F-190F range.

I removed my installation above as it didn't help much. Hit and miss .

[Joenavy85]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Well, seems the lower grille block is too much, even during Spring. Coolant temperature at 205F is too high IMO (207F triggers fan). Much rather have it in the 180F-190F range.

I removed my installation above as it didn't help much. Hit and miss .

with all the variables hit and miss is how you have to find what works for your car. "Will it work?" "Only one way to find out"

[alohaspirit]

good try anyway Cig

[CigaR007]

Well, after some conclusive testing, blocking the upper grille and leaving the lower grille fully open is the way to go for the Echo.

In colder climates, leaving 1/3 of the lower grille open should provide enough cooling.

Time to move on to the next mod; either lowering the car or aluminum belly pan.

Thanks for the ideas and support !

[alohaspirit]

i would go belly pan

i started doing the front on mine but havent finished

[CigaR007]

I installed a modified lower grille block and it seems to be working quite well. Temps is actually lower @ 184F most of the time.

I averaged 62.6 MPG yesterday on my 30-mile commute and 59.7 MPG for the day (60 miles). Current tank average is sitting at 55.4 MPG.

I strongly believe the new lower grille block combined with higher outside temperatures is helping my fuel economy. Will post pics soon.