TheForce
10-13-2009, 03:52 PM
This is a short review of the Hybrid Effects Grille Block available at Hybrid Car Accessories by Hybrid Effects (http://hybrideffects.com)
Toyota Prius - Grille Blocks - Toyota Prius Hybrid Grille Block - Grille Blocking (Shipping Included) (http://www.hybrideffects.com/catalog.php/hybrideffects/ct/pd1728747/Toyota_Prius_Hybrid_Grille_Block__Grille_Blocking_Shipping_Included_)
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb1.jpg
I bought my grill block from bestmapman since he was wanting to sell his. He has the same color car as mine and he had it with him at MPG fest this year. He offered to sell it to me for a good deal. So I checked it out to see if I could modify it to fit my custom car front with the chin spoiler and camera. It looked to be a good fit but I would have to make some modifications. The only down side is that his grille block did not have any holes cut out so you can pop in and out plugs to let air in in the summer time and plug them up in the winter.
I called up Franklin from Hybrid Effects to see if I could buy some 3" plugs. He was happy to sell me 10 of the 3" plugs. Now I have that covered. :D
So today I decided I better start to block my grille because its getting too cold. I had to make some modifications to get the grill block to fit. Here is what I had to do.
I first had to figure out a way to mount it. I had some good ideas for mounting brackets but that was getting into fabrication and ugly wing nuts or 1/4 turn screws that would show up in the front. I decided to use 3M Dual Lock (http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/superlock.htm) to attach it with. This stuff is like Velcro but MUCH stronger. They literally snap into place and are very secure. This grill block wont be coming off easily.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb2.jpg
As you can see these things are a little thick. They make the grill block stick out about 3mm but that's OK.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb4.jpg
I had to cut out a hole for my front camera.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb3.jpg
I also had to cut out a section where I have my EBH plug.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb5.jpg
As you can see I just put the grille block behind the license plate. The plate does stick out because of it but you don't really notice it at all. This also helps secure the grille block to the car.
You may notice that I don't have my ten 3" holes cut out and the plugs installed. Thats because I'm going to wait to install them when the weather gets warmer. Plus I don't have a 3" hole drill bit at the moment. I will update this review when I get the plugs installed.
The grille blocks start out at $135.00 shipped and unpainted. Add $65 for paint and if you want hole plugs they are between $10 and $35 more.
This product may be a LOT more expensive than the foam you buy at lowes but this sure looks a hell of a lot better.
I don't have any MPG numbers to give but I can tell you that this is a great product and grille blocking does improve your MPG. I highly recommend this product!
Pros
Get better MPG
Made to fit 2004-2009 Prius.
Easy to install
Cons
No product to block upper grille.
Price
Toyota Prius - Grille Blocks - Toyota Prius Hybrid Grille Block - Grille Blocking (Shipping Included) (http://www.hybrideffects.com/catalog.php/hybrideffects/ct/pd1728747/Toyota_Prius_Hybrid_Grille_Block__Grille_Blocking_Shipping_Included_)
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb1.jpg
I bought my grill block from bestmapman since he was wanting to sell his. He has the same color car as mine and he had it with him at MPG fest this year. He offered to sell it to me for a good deal. So I checked it out to see if I could modify it to fit my custom car front with the chin spoiler and camera. It looked to be a good fit but I would have to make some modifications. The only down side is that his grille block did not have any holes cut out so you can pop in and out plugs to let air in in the summer time and plug them up in the winter.
I called up Franklin from Hybrid Effects to see if I could buy some 3" plugs. He was happy to sell me 10 of the 3" plugs. Now I have that covered. :D
So today I decided I better start to block my grille because its getting too cold. I had to make some modifications to get the grill block to fit. Here is what I had to do.
I first had to figure out a way to mount it. I had some good ideas for mounting brackets but that was getting into fabrication and ugly wing nuts or 1/4 turn screws that would show up in the front. I decided to use 3M Dual Lock (http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/superlock.htm) to attach it with. This stuff is like Velcro but MUCH stronger. They literally snap into place and are very secure. This grill block wont be coming off easily.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb2.jpg
As you can see these things are a little thick. They make the grill block stick out about 3mm but that's OK.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb4.jpg
I had to cut out a hole for my front camera.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb3.jpg
I also had to cut out a section where I have my EBH plug.
http://stuff.jaygroh.com/priuschat/hegb5.jpg
As you can see I just put the grille block behind the license plate. The plate does stick out because of it but you don't really notice it at all. This also helps secure the grille block to the car.
You may notice that I don't have my ten 3" holes cut out and the plugs installed. Thats because I'm going to wait to install them when the weather gets warmer. Plus I don't have a 3" hole drill bit at the moment. I will update this review when I get the plugs installed.
The grille blocks start out at $135.00 shipped and unpainted. Add $65 for paint and if you want hole plugs they are between $10 and $35 more.
This product may be a LOT more expensive than the foam you buy at lowes but this sure looks a hell of a lot better.
I don't have any MPG numbers to give but I can tell you that this is a great product and grille blocking does improve your MPG. I highly recommend this product!
Pros
Get better MPG
Made to fit 2004-2009 Prius.
Easy to install
Cons
No product to block upper grille.
Price