My First Aero Mod
 

Seeing a lower grill block as being the easiest and cheapest aerodynamic modification, I decided to attempt this one first. I tried this once before with auto masking tape, but the design of my bumper made it difficult and it didn't last long. I'll add a few pictures to give you an idea of what I have done.


My front bumper:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/IMG_1424.jpg

I used some black rubber wall-liner that I picked up for under $4.00 per 48''x4'' piece. Basically it's the rubber base-board material you see in office buildings and schools etc.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/IMG_1426.jpg

I shortened the rubber to fit the width of the lower grille and simply used black electrical tape to hold it in place.

Here's the finished product:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/IMG_1428.jpg

I purchased two pieces of the rubber material and a roll of black electrical tape for $8.68 and installed it in under 15 minutes. I'm not sure if it will yield any gains but I figured it was worth a try.
Suggestions appreciated :)
Thanks

Just be careful ot to overheat it. You limited the radiator airflow greatly.

One more thing - You created sth like a pocket in the bumper. It would be more aerodynamic if it was smoothened with the exterior line of the bumper, I guess...

I'll be watching the temperature carefully, but I'm not too worried considering the weather here right now has been in the mid-30s and colder at night.
As for creating the pocket, I realized this when I created this, but due to my lack of fabrication knowledge I opted for what I thought I could accomplish with the knowledge that I have. Thanks for the suggestion though, I do agree that if it were flush with the front of the bumper it would be more aerodynamic.

Hi,

It probably would be better to cover the upper grill (flush) and then partially cover the lower grill.

What would you recommend for covering the upper grille? I would like something that is easily removable and doesn't require any drilling if possible. Just curious.

Measure your grille's widest dimension, and it's tallest dimension.

Get some 1mm or 3mm lexan sheet from Lowe's or Home Depot or somewhere similar.

Get some 3m trim tape (double sided adhesive used for automotive badging.)

Cut strips of it that are as wide as the outer most lines of your upper grille.

Lay the lexan against your grille, mark the outline of the grille, trim accordingly.

Finish trimming and fitting up the lexan without adhering it.

Once you're satisfied with the fit, you can either paint the piece, or leave it clear (OEM appearance).

Apply the pieces of tape that you've cut to the grille.

Place the new grille block over the tape, pressing firmly at every place where it makes contact with the tape.

If you ever decide to remove it, it can be done with a sharp razor blade and tape-removal cleaners.

That would the permanent version be.

For the more or less "testing" version, you can just cover the grille with anything solid that will mount nearly flush and deflect the air. Something like acrylic packaging material held on with zip ties would be sufficient.

Thanks for the fast reply. I'll try to get a hold of those materials in the next few days. For the time being I tried to create a block with what I had left over from the lower grille block. I was partially inspired by a blocked Yaris that I saw earlier today on this site, I can't remember whose it was though.

If not fully functional yet, at least it looks kinda neat IMO :p

Upper block: http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/IMG_1429.jpg

Both upper and lower blocks: http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...t/IMG_1430.jpg

That is actually quite impressive, and given more practice with trimming, you may be able to use those same materials with the adhesive to make a more attractive cover than just a clear one.

Also - if it's obvious, people will ask questions. Especially if you leave it in in the summer. Be prepared to answer them.

Thank you very much for your feedback, I greatly appreciate it. I will be trying to refine these in the coming days/weeks and see what happens. Always open to suggestions :).