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I'd like to install a partial grill block on my Yaris as I have pretty much maxed out my MPG figures and would like to be able to stretch it further with some aero advantages.

I haven't been able to find a comprehensive DIY on how to create such a grill block. I am looking to make something that looks good, is flush with the car and made from durable material, and most of all, can be put-on and removed with ease.

Here is the design that I envision, with the normal car for comparison. If anyone has some tips to give me on this, please let me know!

http://xs231.xs.to/xs231/08383/yarim753.jpg (http://xs.to)
http://xs231.xs.to/xs231/08383/yarimd210.jpg (http://xs.to)

I've been playing with grill blocks the last several days. You should probably experiment with something very temporary first, to figure out how much blocking you can do without overheating. I used cardboard and foam pipe insulation. Today's was a little too temporary and part of it fell out :( The previous version blocked too much and provided too little cooling.
You definitely need a temperature gauge of some sort. I'm using my scangauge II. Check out your water temp before you install the block to compare.
One material mentioned by several people is coroplast, available from sign makers. Somebody here has a very clean install using clear lexan.
Post pictures of your experiments, please.
--Walter

Its been noted that Blocking the top most grill will not harm the Temps much.
Try blocking the left quarter the right quarter of the bottom grill.

Remember Get something to measure temps!
Scangauge 2 is my yardstick.

I taped black duct tape to the grill last winter (wasn't too terribly hideous) it helped get warmer faster. I only took it off when the temp started getting warmer. I can't imagine that it would have lasted very long if I were to try to take it off and on many times

The duct tape i used left sticky residue on the grille when removed and was hard to get rid of. Also, blocking the upper grille (on the diesel cee'd) interfered with the intake air and mpg actually suffered. I doubt gasoline cars have the same problem; my civic is all blocked up, leaving a 10" by 3" hole to the radiator. Only in hot daytime driving does the fan come on occaisonally. I work nights so i'm driving in cooler air all the time and experience virtually no heavy traffic so i can afford to block things up that little bit more.
I use a black plastic sign board material. It's kind of foamy on the inside, smooth on the outside. Completely weather proof and looks smart. Easily cut due to the foamy texture and is flexible so curves are easy. Havent tried it with a heat gun but i'm sure it would be ok.

ollie

I've been thinking about a grill block for this year. Thanks for posting your findings so I can try and figure out what I should do.

I'll be showing what I did for my Grill block soon.
Just need to make a few more Mods before I am satisfied with it.

I just posted a picture in this forum section for my solution. Maybe you can get some tips from that?

If you follow that design, I would not suggest naming your car Adolf...:rolleyes:

However, I would suggest completely covering the upper grill and leaving the slot open in the bottom section. Of course, you should run tests to optimize the size of the opening to attain highest MPG whilst maintaining a good work environment. Also, of course, YMMV. Good luck!

If you follow that design, I would not suggest naming your car Adolf...:rolleyes:

However, I would suggest completely covering the upper grill and leaving the slot open in the bottom section. Of course, you should run tests to optimize the size of the opening to attain highest MPG whilst maintaining a good work environment. Also, of course, YMMV. Good luck!

Lmao! You read my mind, I was thinking the exact same thing! "Ach, zis car vill terrorize ze gazz stashions, ja!"