05 Civic Grillblock? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

cerdmier · 03-26-2008, 10:09 AM

I was curious about those that use grillblocks on their cars. Are you using them in the summer/hot weather as well? I live on the coast in GA and it gets quite hot. I'm looking at aerodynamic solutions for my car. just curious. Thanks,

Case

Sandy · 03-26-2008, 10:37 AM

Hi Case,
I've got some foam-pipe insulation on my '04 civic held in with duct tape.

Can't say that it has been a big help yet,
but I'm going for a coro-plas cover for the lower intake,
leaving the top open for summer cooling.
I live in New England so the cool air allowed me to cover both top and bottom right now.
But the summer will require more air.

basjoos · 03-26-2008, 10:49 AM

I use mine year (it has just a thin slot opening) around here in upstate SC, even when the temps hit 100F. The only over heating problem I have had is when driving at over 70mph when temps are over 90F, but I plan to install a driver adjustable grill opening before the hot weather hits.

cerdmier · 03-26-2008, 11:01 AM

Thanks guys. I might try to block the upper grill to start and see how it affects the engine temp & FE. Then try the bottom leaving the top open if the first trial goes well.

When I do the top grill block, I'm thinking of something temporary like cardboard to mount flush with the outside. The foam pipe looks nice though. If basjoos is able to get by with a thin opening in SC it should work for GA.

Thanks!

personx · 03-26-2008, 12:46 PM

I had read of someone who had a water sprayer (like one for the windshield) for their radiator in a tightly cowed aircraft with a auto engine. they needed it for the rare times that they were sitting on a hot ramp at a real busy airport in the middle of summer waiting their turn to takeoff. they would just hit the button every once in awhile to keep the temps in the good range. once they were airborne (moving) it was not needed or even at a normal airport.

Something like that might make a good backup for those extra hot days stuck in traffic.. I'm really going to give it some thought when I block mine.

cerdmier · 03-28-2008, 09:51 AM

I've blocked the lower grill to start. I haven't taken long trips yet.; just light city driving and 15 mins of Hwy driving. Temp is a little higher than normal but nowhere near red. I'll know better after some longer city driving during midday. So far it's looking good!

aerohead · 03-28-2008, 03:31 PM

Mine are okay all year in Texas.The CRX did overheat at Bonneville.It was 85-degrees ambient temp. on the course,and the car was under full throttle for 6-miles until through the trap.Other than that,its alright for 4-seasons.I've tried to overheat the T-100,just doesn't happen.Modify slow,every car should be considered on a case-specific basis.

Harpo · 03-28-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerdmier

Thanks guys. I might try to block the upper grill to start and see how it affects the engine temp & FE. Then try the bottom leaving the top open if the first trial goes well.

When I do the top grill block, I'm thinking of something temporary like cardboard to mount flush with the outside. The foam pipe looks nice though. If basjoos is able to get by with a thin opening in SC it should work for GA.

Thanks!

http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthread.php?t=1405

I'm on to IAT mods now.

cerdmier · 04-17-2008, 11:51 AM

I've tried both the upper and the lower grill block. The car temp runs the same with either one of them blocked. I've blocked up the front right now. I used cardboard for a week and now I've made one out of plexi.

meemooer · 04-17-2008, 11:55 PM

^^clean, nice install