Aero Grille Block

[99LeCouch]

I had a go at making an external grille block today. The grille on my Buick is giant, with two huge openings to let air in.

So, after 2 Lexan sheets and 12 brass screws, I have a grille block on the outside of the grille.

Initial results are promising. It warmed up much faster, and the external transmission cooler rose to temperatures not seen since this summer. This was around town. I am waiting for highway results.

Pictures will be posted once it's light out.

[MateriaPanama]

Cool, however i am not an expert so i can´t comment on whether or not your work is good or anything like that. i can however ask if you have any advice for someone hoping to do a very light grill block. i live in a tropical city so i want to take it easy, but any tips on building one would be appreciated.

[basjoos]

The easiest and cheapest way to start a grill block is to take some clear packing tape and start blocking off some of the grill opening, starting at the top and then the sides of the grill. Over a couple of days driving, you can gradually block off the opening until you begin to see your cooling fan start running more than normal or see rising coolant temps on scangauge. The grill opening on most cars is sized for the largest engine option available for your car so, especially if you have a smaller engine or a diesel engine option, you can block off a fair amount of the grill opening without it overheating.

[MateriaPanama]

ok thanks, unfortunately i have the biggest engine available in my car, the 1.5 as opposed to the 1.3, lol
but ill try that and see

[Kurz]

Remember these cars were meant to see the hottest terrain in your country.
Though Make sure you have a scan Gauge before you do any blocking.
Take note of how long it takes to get to normal Operating temp.
How high it goes, etc.

My grill block on my car as sped up warming to the point about half a mile from my house I can go in Overdrive (Automatic Tranny). Before it'll take about a mile and a half.
And that is just the top grill I've been thinking about adding more.

[99LeCouch]

Mine warms up really quickly. And does provide some minor aero benefits in the wind. The car gets blown around less when driving into a strong wind.