Upper Grill Block Success - 3.7% MPG Increase

[sarguy01]

The numbers are in...ABA testing complete. Run was done at 51 mph on my usual testing route, in two directions. Two runs per direction with dam, without dam, then with the dam again for a total of 12 runs. The Torque app data log was used again to collect the data and Excel was used to process.

Run 1 ABA was a 1.58% improvement. There was an offset tailwind of about 45* at 6.8mph.

Run 2 ABA was a 5.89% improvement. The wind was now an offset headwind of about 45* at 6.8 mph.

The lower dam was installed for this testing. Coolant temps as per the Torque app were between 196* and 208*. Temperature outside today is 72*.

I used zip ties to mount it. I used the leftover flashing from the lower air dam. I already had the spray paint.

Lastly, the headwind/tailwind difference was about a 2 mpg difference, taken with the upper grill blocked. I have the numbers on a spreadsheet if anyone wants to see them.

Another success for the Civic!

[aerohead]

When 1974 aeromodding technology can still help a contemporary automobile,it looks like HONDA had plenty of safety margin designed into their cooling system airflow and were a little loose with their airdam.
Congrats! The 3.7% can never go out of tune,so it's there for the long haul.

[mcrews]

ThAt is one shiny hood!!!!!

[Cobb]

Last year I wrapped my grill area in black duct tape. One nice smooth look and it got a lot of compliments from women and ricer comments from guys. I think it helped more than the lower block too, but no actual testing.

[ssnsvibe09]

Originally Posted by mcrews

ThAt is one shiny hood!!!!!

I is actually Batman's Econocar...

[Eric839]

Nice work! Congrats on that improvement
I just made my first grill block on friday. It's a partial lower grill block just to see the results and I noticed the faster warm up time. It's still a work in progress though

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by aerohead

When 1974 aeromodding technology can still help a contemporary automobile,it looks like HONDA had plenty of safety margin designed into their cooling system airflow and were a little loose with their airdam.
Congrats! The 3.7% can never go out of tune,so it's there for the long haul.

In fact, I data logged the coolant temps too. Run A was 202*, Run B was 204*, and Run A was 203*. So, while not an earth shattering difference, the temp was cooler with the upper dam installed.

Behind the Honda badge are actually some vents. Then, at the bottom of the upper dam is a gap that can allow air in. If I get time, I'll go snap some more pics and post them.

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by Cobb

Last year I wrapped my grill area in black duct tape. One nice smooth look and it got a lot of compliments from women and ricer comments from guys. I think it helped more than the lower block too, but no actual testing.

I think the grill blocks are going to add some improvement to any car. How much of an improvement depends on the block itself and the car type. With all the testing on this site, most grill blocks have shown to increase mpg.

With my car, I am hoping to see a 1.0 mpg increase in city mileage and 2 mpg increase in hwy mileage. My city driving has a lot of 35-45 mph speed limits. With my ABA testing, I think these increases will be accurate.

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by Eric839

Nice work! Congrats on that improvement
I just made my first grill block on friday. It's a partial lower grill block just to see the results and I noticed the faster warm up time. It's still a work in progress though

Don't worry, most cars on this site are a work in progress! I know mine is for sure. I'd love to make some mounts for the upper block, much like the lower block. I want to use screws instead of zip ties, but the zip ties are fine for now.

[digital rules]

Anything wrong with using air conditioner weather seal foam for grill blocks? It fits nice & snugly in both the upper & lower grill, but not sure if any downsides to using this type of material?

If OK, can't wait to test results coming back from Charlotte NC to Manassas VA tomorrow. Driving down with a good headwind I was struggling to break 40 even with speeds of ~60 on Rt 29. (No trip to Charlotte is complete without driving through Tightsqueeze, VA & then through Danville to scoop up some $2.99 gas--woo hoo)

Amazingly MPG's jumped to 41 @ ~70 MPH with cross wind. Unfortunately going under 65-70 on I-85 is almost a death wish