Poll: Insight front bumper modifications

[E_Swift]

[RobertSmalls]

How far north do you live? Anyway, block as much as you can without having the radiator fan kick on much.

I voted for "C" because there was no "B+D" option, but I think you (and I) should permanently close the upper grille, and make an adjustable lower grille opening. That can be as simple as panels you remove when it gets warm out, or as complicated as cable-operated door you can use from the driver's seat.

Btw, nice car, and nice photoshop.

[E_Swift]

Thanks - I live in central Indiana, so perhaps I am not in need of quite as an extreme block as you may find appropriate up there in Buffalo!

I was only thinking of D until I started playing in photoshop... well, we'll see where the poll goes.

[JonnyG]

The lower grille takes up much more area, so I voted for blocking that (B)

[user removed]

I was using a partial radiator block. When temps fell this fall I installed a cover over the lower grille opening. Black plastic that fits very tight and just about eliminates any air flow from the lower grille area.

I may add a partial radiator block, but for now blocking the lower radiator opening seems to work fine. Colder climates would probably benefit from radiator blocks but be careful and it might be a good idea to monitor radiator fan activity. Also do not block the area of the radiator that would restrict the flow of air when the fan comes on.

Threw some pics of the garage in for fun. My VX with less than 49 k original miles, and the Echo as well as the Insight.

regards
Mech

[MetroMPG]

Old Mechanic - just note on terminology: a radiator block is different (and less aerodynamically effective) than a grille block. A grille block keeps excess air from entering the engine compartment, a radiator block lets it in, and only keeps it from going through the radiator (ie. cardboard up against the fins).

Originally Posted by JonnyG

The lower grille takes up much more area, so I voted for blocking that (B)

If you hold the total area covered constant, blocking the upper + part of the lower would likely be better. (Not a poll option , as Robert pointed out!)

Air flow that's above the stagnation point is better sent over the car rather than through the top opening and into engine compartment, where it ultimately ends up underneath the car.

[user removed]

Appreciate that Metro. I do understand one blocks the air entering through the grille. The other blocks the front of the radiator itself.

I used a piece of a for sale sign for the radiator block, slipped it between the AC condenser and the radiator.

The photo shows the lower grille block. Grille blocks offer the potential for aero improvements, while radiator blocks do not.

Maybe I was not clear enough in my previous post, and I appreciate any clarification that would prevent potential confusion.

In the Insight Central Forum there is a post about one member who saw a 10 MPG improvement using a radiator block, but (as I posted before) care should be exercised to not block the flow of air when the cooling fan is on, or you could overheat the engine and possibly do some serious damage.

I avoid cardboard for rad blocks, mine got wet, and I was worried about it disintegrating and making removal much more difficult. You do need to be careful to not bend the fins on the radiator which could also affect cooling capacity if the damage was bad enough.

regards
Mech

[MetroMPG]

You're right: the rad block will help an Insight more than the average car since it gets the engine temp up where it can enter lean burn mode. It's also likely simpler to add/remove.

Also valid points about the risk of a rad block vs. grille block and overheating.

[user removed]

Also in the case of the Insight there are large openings where the tie rods go from the rack to the front wheels. I believe this is to allow the air to exit to the rear of the front wheels. It's possible (not sure but possible) that reducing the air flow into the engine compartment could cause more turbulence around the front wheels and have a negative effect on CD.

Just a thought.
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I like the upper opening staying open because the top of the radiator is the hottest portion. I may try adding a radiator block if it gets really cold here. Today it hit 71 degrees.

regards
Mech

[discovery]

By increasing the temp in the engine you might decrease the life time of the engine over all. I vote A.