Question regarding blocking off the front of a '99 Crown Vic.

[The_Jed]

^ Not my car, just a visual representation.

I'm planning to either cut a grille block out of lexan or some other clear plastic-y substance OR make a block for the lower bumper cover opening.

Would one be more beneficial than the other?

I am planning to cut and/or install some hot air vents in the hood, directly behind the fan, so at the moment I'm leaning toward blocking off the lower opening.

Any help/input is greatly appreciated.

[Daox]

The general rule of thumb is to always block the upper grill first. This pushes more air over the top of the car (vs more air under the car) where the aerodynamic shape is more clean.

I'm not sure why you'd want to add vents to the hood.

[The_Jed]

My reasoning was to give the air flowing in through the grille an escape instead of trapping it in the engine compartment.

[Daox]

The engine bay on cars is far from sealed. Air can go out the bottom, our out the wheel wells. I wouldn't bother cutting holes in the hood.

Even basjoos' aerocivic hasn't gotten around to cutting holes in his hood, and I'm pretty sure its one of if not the most aerodynamic car on this forum. He has a full bellypan. I asked him a few years ago if he was worried about engine cooling and airflow through the engine bay, he said there was plenty of airflow out the wheel wells (which he also has covered up).

[The_Jed]

Huh...good to know.

Thanks for the info.

[apexwagon]

Coroplast!

[The_Jed]

I took the easy route and ran several strips of duct tape across the openings in the grill and saw an immediate 2 mpg or so improvement in the averages per tank. For my most recent tank I folded in my mirrors and drove more ecomodderishly to and from work.

A few days ago I cut out a cardboard belly pan that runs from the bottom of the front bumper cover to the radiator core support. I also covered the gaps/seams in the front around the grill and headlights with some packing tape, much to my wife's chagrin.

I think I may be n track to achieving a 30 mpg per tank average!

[The_Jed]

400 miles traveled before filling up is the first milestone I'm aiming for. I probably could do it now but I won't risk running out of gas on the way to work or some other inopportune time.

[The_Jed]

It occurred to me that the front passenger seat never gets used so I pulled it out just a few minutes ago. I haven't weighed it yet but it's a power seat and felt like 60 or so pounds.

My appreciation for the Panther based cars grows every time I tinker with my Crown Vic.

[The_Jed]

The Ecomodder sickness has really taken hold and it's effect is in a rapid crescendo.

I find myself driving closer and closer to 45 mph when the limit is 55 and coasting every chance I get. Also lately I've begun to really despise getting caught at red lights.