Simple winter mod

[zingaro]

Ive seen a few front blocks but this one is super simple and easy to modify on the run. Im new and have looked for a similar post but hadn't see it yet.
Great forum, great ideas, Kinda wanna buy the next round of GAS 【ツ】

[some_other_dave]

Search for "grille block" or "grill block". You'll find a lot of hits for just this sort of thing.

-soD

[fusion210]

Clear tape is how it all begins.

[Daox]

Nice mod. Have you noticed any difference?

[redpoint5]

I started with clear packing tape to test the concept, but dirt begins to stick to it and look bad. For now, I'm using black duct tape to block the upper grill, and need to build another coroplast lower block.

Do you run a gauge to monitor coolant temp? A full block on my TSX runs the temp up to 215F and then the cooling fan kicks on. The stock temp needle on the car doesn't fluctuate enough between the normal operating temp of 190F and the fan engagement at 215F to know that the fan is coming on.

[UltArc]

Have you picked up an SCii or an Ultra Gauge? As redpoint5 mentioned, it is important to monitor. It may be better now with the cooler air (about 70s down there, right?), but you may care about the fan coming on.

Personally, my fan kicking on doesn't bug me at all. The Insight, I watch more carefully, but the Mustang being new(er) and having a grille block within the first few months (to protect the radiator, in my mind it reduces losses in efficiency from damage over time).

Speaking of, that is another benefit. Protection from debris getting in there- bugs, rocks, leaves, and whatever else is on the road.

Many little pings, and even though recently cleaned, one can see the bugs and grime that would normally be covering the radiator.


Welcome to the darkside

Edit:
After closer inspection at full size, this was not recently cleaned as of the photo. This was after a mod install before a wash.