Packing tape grill block - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

ksa8907 · 06-08-2012, 07:58 PM

Well i searched for a while on what the prefered method is to block the grill. Dont have time to throw at it for a few more weeks, so i decided to go with clear packing tape. I only did one side and it may be plecebo, but i tjink there was a difference in mileage. Maybe 1 or 2 on the highway. Will do the other side and get pics tomorrow.

Sporty Modder · 06-08-2012, 09:23 PM

I dont recomend packing tape. It can be very difficult to remove. Go duct tape, its alot easier to remove and comes in many colors. Lowes and Home Depot sell duct tape that is residue free, it comes off clean.

ksa8907 · 06-08-2012, 10:39 PM

When i post pictures you'll see why it doesnt matter. Ill most likely end up making it permanent with some fiberglass. My car is beat to hell.

bobo333 · 06-09-2012, 01:16 AM

i used packing tape for my grill block too, with cardboard over the large open areas of the grill for a little more strength, works well as it conforms to the curves of your bumper a lot better than coroplast or anything else like that, and i could still use my fog lights and the packing tape was clear

BamZipPow · 06-09-2012, 02:23 PM

The UV in sunlight will eventually break down the plastic and adhesives in the tape and the tape can become brittle in less than 6 months. It's a good test medium but not something I would use as a permanent basis.

ksa8907 · 06-09-2012, 04:06 PM

it's just for testing, makes it really easy to see if it will get too hot. as promised, here are a few pictures, i may have to add a small opening on the top half once i cover the other side, it started to get a little warm yesterday on my way to work, we'll see. right now i have everything blocked except about 4-5 inches on the lower inlet, i chose the lower to leave open because there is an oil cooler on one side and a trans cooler on the driver side.

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I do have a question though, do you think i should add a "louver" at the rear of the rearmost inlet for exhausting air? It looks like that would just allow more air in though.

You can really tell that this bumper cover is almost entirely aesthetic, only about 3-4 inches of the inlet is in front of the radiator.

ksa8907 · 06-11-2012, 12:22 AM

Finished the other side, hopefully do some testing soon. Unfortunately no aba but if i see more than 40 highway, it'll be an impovement.

NeilBlanchard · 06-11-2012, 12:26 PM

Looks good -- is there holes in the chin area ahead of the radiator? If so, you can block them up so that the air that goes in the grill all goes through the radiator; and you might even be able to have smaller openings in the lower grill.

You should add some foam gasket to seal the hood gap, too.

ksa8907 · 06-13-2012, 02:24 PM

aren't you supposed to get a measured improvement from a grill block? i get nothing, 1mpg if im extra optimistic. i need to check the intake temp, it may be getting too hot with the block.

Sporty Modder · 06-14-2012, 06:30 PM

In my experiance and from what I have read, the grill block is good for about 1/2 an mpg.
Try some coast down tests with it on/off.