Lower & Upper Grille Block Ideas (Toyota Echo)

[CigaR007]

Used some epoxy resin to glue it to the actual upper grille assembly. The bond to the grille is good enough to withstand the elements. I only used a tiny amount of resin, so removing the grille block will not be that hard if I ever decide to, which I doubt ! That one is permanent.

[CigaR007]

Had to bring my car to the dealership today and the mechanic was not too pleased in seeing my upper grille block. He mentioned that I am depriving the radiator of its needed cooling air and that it might explode due to the increased temperature and pressure.

I tried explaining that I monitor the coolant temperature (stable 184-188F) and that most of the cooling is done via the lower opening, but he did not budge. I claimed better warm-up times and increased efficiency but that was to no avail.

He said that most people would actually want MORE air to be fed to the radiator for better cooling...At that point, I decided to keep my mouth shut. I can understand increasing the grille opening if you're into HIGH performance, but this is a freaking ECHO meant for FUEL ECONOMY !

Boy am I glad I did not finish the lower grille block yet.. I wouldn't have been able to withstand his diatribes.

/end rant

...BACK on topic

I will be painting the lower grille blocks today. Stay tuned.

[MetroMPG]

Nice work!

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Had to bring my car to the dealership today and the mechanic was not too pleased in seeing my upper grille block. He mentioned that I am depriving the radiator of its needed cooling air and that it might explode due to the increased temperature and pressure.

I tried explaining that I monitor the coolant temperature (stable 184-188F) and that most of the cooling is done via the lower opening, but he did not budge. I claimed better warm-up times and increased efficiency but that was to no avail.

He said that most people would actually want MORE air to be fed to the radiator for better cooling...At that point, I decided to keep my mouth shut. I can understand increasing the grille opening if you're into HIGH performance, but this is a freaking ECHO meant for FUEL ECONOMY !

Boy am I glad I did not finish the lower grille block yet.. I wouldn't have been able to withstand his diatribes.

/end rant

...BACK on topic

I will be painting the lower grille blocks today. Stay tuned.

I ducted my radiator thoroughly when I blocked 80% bottom and all of the top... no air comes through the grille that does not get forced through the radiator. My running temps are in the mid 190s, sometimes up close to cooling fan temps of 203* on the HOTTEST days in the hotter driving conditions. This is virtually the same cooling I have seen for 10 years (oh, and two years ago, before the blocks, a radiator tank ruptured due to its being 11 years old and due for meeting its maker, so to speak).

Just make sure you leave a significant opening, mine is the width of the radiator and right in front of it, and make sure you duct it.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

He mentioned that I am depriving the radiator of its needed cooling air and that it might explode due to the increased temperature and pressure.

Gee, you'd think that the fan would be running all the time or something then.

[CigaR007]

There's a note on the bill (from the dealership) suggesting the removal of the upper grille block.

Weather is crappy today, so I only had time to put a few coats of primer on the 2 lower grille blocks. Final colour will match the green bumper and the grey front valance.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Had to bring my car to the dealership today and the mechanic was not too pleased in seeing my upper grille block. He mentioned that I am depriving the radiator of its needed cooling air and that it might explode due to the increased temperature and pressure.

I tried explaining that I monitor the coolant temperature (stable 184-188F) and that most of the cooling is done via the lower opening, but he did not budge. I claimed better warm-up times and increased efficiency but that was to no avail.

He said that most people would actually want MORE air to be fed to the radiator for better cooling...At that point, I decided to keep my mouth shut. I can understand increasing the grille opening if you're into HIGH performance, but this is a freaking ECHO meant for FUEL ECONOMY !

Boy am I glad I did not finish the lower grille block yet.. I wouldn't have been able to withstand his diatribes.

/end rant

...BACK on topic

I will be painting the lower grille blocks today. Stay tuned.

Perhaps his ASC training failed to share with him the part that the radiator cap plays with respect to system pressure,and that it would simply 'vent' into the overflow receptacle and be sucked in later when cool.

[CigaR007]

[aerohead]

It's funny that it's such a visually significant mod,but the build quality is so good,most onlookers will fail to 'see' it.
It looks like an OEM production Toyota part.
"Hidden in plain view."

[CigaR007]

Spent upwards of 50 hours in order to complete both the upper and lower grille blocks.

Overall, I am quite pleased with them. Looking forward to a slightly better aerodynamics efficiency up front.