Full replacement mustacheless grill
- Thread starter Beastlick
- Start date
hammrdwn510
Member
If going with fasteners, what about getting a little fancy with the insert then? Thinking something along the lines of the Chevy Volt grill inserts...
Wouldn't this cause all kinds of temperature problems?
littleturbo
New member
Underneath each grill is a opening for air flow. I had a volt loaner last week so I was able to get close and look out of curiosity
Sent from my SAMSUNG S5 Active using Tapatalk.
Sent from my SAMSUNG S5 Active using Tapatalk.
PurdueGuy
Member
Before I would install something that would block all or nearly all, I'd be looking at options for temperature monitoring. I need to look at the overall design of the car, but I *want* higher temperatures, within reason, for improved mpg, even if it's at the loss of some power. The general idea is that the inserts would be removable for hot days when the engine actually needs cooler air, but on colder days, you could both warm the intake air (reducing fuel usage) and improve aerodynamics. If air can find its way in without the front grill, I would lean toward a fully closed, or at least nearly fully closed insert.
Some kind of adjustability would be good. Maybe do 3 inserts, dividing the lower portion into 2 sections, so one could be removed. Of course, the even better solution would be something that could be opened/closed from inside the cabin, or even automatically, but that gets into louvers like the Cruze Eco has. I was mostly thinking of keeping it simple & relatively inexpensive, and very quick & easy to add/remove the insert. Perhaps thumb screws?
The Champ
New member
The OE grill has the formula for how much area to block off. The outside row and the top 1.5 - 2 rows of the upper section are blocked off - roughly 50% of the upper grille opening (this is on a 1.4L Turbo - don't know about a 1.8L).
That would be my suggestion to maximize efficiency. The factory had a reason for blocking that much area to start with.
That would be my suggestion to maximize efficiency. The factory had a reason for blocking that much area to start with.
Beastlick
New member
I agree 100%. The blocked off portions are reducing the % of airflow. Its mainly covering up unsightly inner components that have no benefit of getting extra air. It'll be increasing the airflow over 20% on the lower by just removing the mustache.
I personally won't be covering up any openings unless the customer requests. All the grills I've done have marginal effect on fuel efficiency. I'm still getting over 40MPG on the highway.
PurdueGuy
Member
I have no doubt that an engineer (or multiple engineers) were involved in designing the grill opening. I also have no doubt that part of that design process was making sure it can get plenty of air on a 120+ degree day when the driver is pushing the car hard, or sitting in a traffic jam on hot pavement. Thus why I'm interested in a grill block that's removable, as it would be in use during colder weather, in mild driving, mostly on the highway when the car has little trouble drawing in enough cool air from a smaller opening. On hotter days, it would be removed, letting the engine get all the air it needs for those conditions.
I'd more prefer something automated like the Cruze Eco, but I haven't found a good approach to that yet. I'm exploring options. It may be better overall to go with something manual that requires less up-front investment, though, especially if it also means the car looks better from beastlick's nice handiwork.
Side note, beastlick: I'll need a front plate holder. Pesky Idaho plate laws.
whitesmoke
New member
its really quite simple
the area's on the lower grille that are blocked off are there to reduce pressure differential. meaning at speeds if the lower grille opening was too much larger than the top there would be more air pressure pushing in on the bottom than top which in turn would cause air to flow up across the face of the radiator and away from the intercooler instead of through them both. the upper opening also has less pressure on it due to the curvature backwards above the split as the nose gets higher. if you measure surface area of the openings of the two grilles, and do the math, the top is a little bigger in opening area to compensate for the reduced pressure thus giving you equal flow through both openings creating a balanced pressure through the radiator.
the area's on the lower grille that are blocked off are there to reduce pressure differential. meaning at speeds if the lower grille opening was too much larger than the top there would be more air pressure pushing in on the bottom than top which in turn would cause air to flow up across the face of the radiator and away from the intercooler instead of through them both. the upper opening also has less pressure on it due to the curvature backwards above the split as the nose gets higher. if you measure surface area of the openings of the two grilles, and do the math, the top is a little bigger in opening area to compensate for the reduced pressure thus giving you equal flow through both openings creating a balanced pressure through the radiator.
getthebiscuit
New member
So how close are they to being done ?
Stew
Sedans Rule!
I got them both test fit last night, working on sanding/painting the trim. Should ship mid week.
Gloss black GT Perf looking too $exy
I'm not really an aftermarket grill kind of guy but yeah, that one speaks to me.
getthebiscuit
New member
Got the my new grill in the mail today. this thing is so nicely done I'm pretty amazed. Pretty busy with work since I got 2 jobs now for the summer but I should be able to install next week.
Yosemite Sam
I Hates Rabbits!
Me too. This is my car next to my daughter's 2014 LT.
I just realized that it's not a great pic!
[emoji14]
I just realized that it's not a great pic!
[emoji14]
Thesoccerone7
New member
Me too. This is my car next to my daughter's 2014 LT.
I just realized that it's not a great pic!
[emoji14]
I think you have a different front paint job every time you post a picture! haha.
Those grills are looking awesome though. Well done Beastlick