Volvo 850 coroplast wonder - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

tjts1 · 08-01-2008, 01:21 PM

Yeah that would definitely do it. Unfortunately I don't have a scan gauge and the temp gauge isn't particularly accurate. On top of that, these engines don't take kindly to being overheated. The open deck aluminum block takes a tendency to warp before the cylinder head. I'm not sure I want to push my luck too much. But I think 1/2 the top grill should be safe. I'll give it a try.
cheers.

NeilBlanchard · 08-01-2008, 09:04 PM

Hi,

You might also see a small gain by putting flush covers (tape for now) on the recesses where the fog lights would go.

Bicycle Bob · 08-01-2008, 09:29 PM

It is always best to use a fairly straight path to the rad, with diffusers to expand the flow without turbulence. I'd block the lower holes first. Think about regular ductwork for analogies.

brucepick · 08-03-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Thanks Bruce! I'm debating a grill block for the road trip but i'm not sure how much would be safe or ideal. I blocked off the top half of the grill on our last trip to Seattle but that was in the winter. I was tempted to block off the entire grill and let the engine breath through the bumper opening but I'm not sure thats a good idea in the summer with the AC on. Any ideas?

I judge my grill block status by the LED that lights up when the rad fan kicks in. Set up the LED well before adding grill block so you can see 'normal' operation to compare against.

In summer, with efan only and no clutch fan, and no a/c, the efan did not come on at any speeds over 30-40 mph using the old oem grill. Regardless of temps. Maybe on a truly steep and long hill. My current grill panel has a reduced opening and the efan comes on for gentle highway upgrades even at 70-75 degree outdoor temps. Observation of the temp gauge shows that the efan switching is appropriate - that is, the gauge starts to climb just a bit before fan comes on.

My current grill panel is a variation on what you see in my avatar. It's about 2/3 the opening area of the oem grill.

ALS · 08-03-2008, 04:04 PM

I run a 25% grill block on my 97 960 with no problems. I did the top half of my grill and there have been no problems. The first time I did the grill block I blocked the right side of the grill and I did have cooling problems. Moved it to the top half, problem solved. Just came back Friday from vacation with temperatures in the low to mid nineties through Fl., Ga., SC., NC. and Va..

tjts1 · 08-04-2008, 03:58 AM

Sacramento to Vancouver, Wa in one day, 31mpg at 65mph average speed. Had the AC on most of the way so no grill block. I hate Oregon. Everybody drives too slow and they all look like they married their cousin. Tired, good night.

instarx · 08-04-2008, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

I hate Oregon. Everybody drives too slow and they all look like they married their cousin. Tired, good night.

That was a vile and hateful comment.

tjts1 · 08-04-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by instarx

That was a vile and hateful comment.

Thank you. That was the point.

instarx · 08-04-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Thank you. That was the point.

No problem. I'm always happy to point out bigotry.

mrwillie · 02-16-2012, 04:46 PM

@tjts1 -- Hello. I have a new-to-me volvo 850 wagon, and I drive about 400miles/wk, w/ a few weeks of 600-700+ a few times out of the year. I saw your post about the coroplast underpanels and was wondering if you had dimensions, diagrams, etc for the pieces that you've made.

Any info that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Will