12-21-2016, 10:38 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Will an upper grille block do squat?
Here is my situation, it's very cold out right now but it might get above freezing soon so I can do a little work on my pickup truck ( Chevy S10).
My 4WD went out ( push button selector not engaging system), I currently suspect the vacuum assisted components GM thoughtfully placed under the battery tray ( which can leak battery acid down there) but chasing that possible leak down can be complex I'm told.
Therefore as a temporary measure I added four more 70 lb bags of tube sand to the two I already had in the truck bed - that's nearly 500 lbs of sand plus the weight of fuel. I'm not going to get stuck easily.
As you can imagine "the get up an go - went up and left" my truck, and I suspect the gas mileage is soon to follow.
I don't drive a lot but I can try to up my gas mileage with a partial grille bock.
Here is the truck.
As you can see the tow hook locations are sealed, and the radiator can get no air from underneath.
Question is, will an upper only grille block do squat?
I would be leaving the lower slit open.
Yes I have an electric fan installed, would not even consider this if it still had the old mechanical fan clutch.
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George
Architect, Artist and Designer of Objects
2012 Infiniti G37X Coupe
1977 Porsche 911s Targa
1998 Chevy S-10 Pick-Up truck
1989 Scat II HP Hovercraft
You cannot sell aerodynamics in a can............
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12-21-2016, 11:22 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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...and for your original traction problem, you might want some real tires for colder weather. Nokian WRG3 or Hakkapeliitta for winter.
Cheap insurance
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12-21-2016, 11:59 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spdfrk
...and for your original traction problem, you might want some real tires for colder weather. Nokian WRG3 or Hakkapeliitta for winter.
Cheap insurance
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That's quite the list there spdfrk, very thoughtful of you.
Of that list I've either already done it, or I am too frugal with my time and money to do it.
The upper grille block is quick and easy, I can do that next day above freezing.
I need tires, saving up for some Cooper Discoverer STT Pro's, better rated in snow than BF Goodrich and Goodyear AT's, plus designed and made in USA.
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George
Architect, Artist and Designer of Objects
2012 Infiniti G37X Coupe
1977 Porsche 911s Targa
1998 Chevy S-10 Pick-Up truck
1989 Scat II HP Hovercraft
You cannot sell aerodynamics in a can............
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12-22-2016, 09:26 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Today and tomorrow it supposed to get up to 36-37 degrees F...................spend the time, or a waste of time?
It's going to take me longer to dig my coroplast (black color) out of storage than to do the block it's self.
Maybe this is a two day project, dig out the supplies today, do the work tomorrow.
I have a lot of other things to do, but quick little projects like this seem to charge me up.
__________________
George
Architect, Artist and Designer of Objects
2012 Infiniti G37X Coupe
1977 Porsche 911s Targa
1998 Chevy S-10 Pick-Up truck
1989 Scat II HP Hovercraft
You cannot sell aerodynamics in a can............
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12-22-2016, 12:51 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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I say do it. Seeing the radiator setup, instead of doing just an upper grill block, I would block the center and right (vehicle right, picture left) sections on both the top and bottom. That leaves you the (vehicle) left side open for cooling and what I assume is a transmission cooling line to get air and cooling as well. At your wintertime temps, that will be more than enough to cool the engine down when it finally gets up to thermostat temp.
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12-22-2016, 01:48 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Administrator
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I'd do it.
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12-22-2016, 02:11 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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upper block
When GM is serious about drag reduction they go with the upper block
![](http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/aerohead2/Untitled-14_2.jpg)
So does Ford
![](http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/aerohead2/Untitled2_41.jpg)
NASCAR
![](http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/aerohead2/Untitled24_10.jpg)
This GM LSR pickup has a 100% block
![](http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/aerohead2/Untitled28_6.jpg)
You don't have any internal ductwork,and the distance between the heat exchanger and grille isn't large,so be careful.
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Photobucket album: http://s1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/aerohead2/
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