[bwilson4web]

Hi,

First published here:

test	miles	MPG	speed	fuel	time
A	13.6	53.0	70	0.257	0.194
	13.5	54.2	70	0.249	0.193
	27.1	53.6	70	0.506	0.387
B	13.4	52.3	70	0.256	0.191
	13.7	50.9	70	0.269	0.196
	27.1	51.6	70	0.525	0.387
C	15.1	52.9	70	0.285	0.216
	13.9	53.7	70	0.259	0.199
	29.0	53.3	70	0.544	0.414

temperature 57F ( C), first run west, second run east, I-565, Huntsville AL, 2010/01/24, south wind, ~10 mph.

TEST A - Configuration


TEST B - Configuration


TEST C - Configuration


Questions?

Bob Wilson

[geodosch]

Bob, I did some grill blocking a couple of weeks ago. After several 20ºF mornings, I saw my trip mileage drop from almost 60 to where I was struggling to hit 50 on the drive to work (~35 miles, mostly Interstate).

I used the same method I'd used on my 2007, which was to use gray foam pipe insulation tucked into the fins on the lower intake. On my '07 I blocked the top intake for all but the hottest weather, though from what I've read I don't plan to block that at all on my 2010. I used 1 piece, which blocks about 75%. After blocking my mileage was back in the mid-high 50's on very cold days, and 60+ when it got a bit milder (low 40's).

IMHO, grill blocking is most important for the initial warm-up phase, when MPG suffers the most. Unfortunately for my commute in the morning, I have moderate speeds with some, or a lot (depending upon traffic) of stop and go at the start of my trip, which means my ICE is always running to warm itself up, so the sooner I can get it warmed-up, the better. By the time I'm on the freeway it's already warmed-up. The blocking is also very helpful for continued stop&go driving, since it prevents the ICE from cooling down quickly. However and constant highway speeds, keeping the cooling system warm isn't as much of a problem, and there's also little if any opportunity for the ICE to shutdown anyway.

[bwilson4web]

I wasn't going to try partial blocks because it is so hard to quantify actual effect. In fact, I'm sorry about leaving the small hand-hold opening not blocked. Still, I think it is important to do "A" "B" "A" tests to quantify the effect under the same conditions.

My concern was a recessed block might lead to air bleeding out the edges. To some extent, there is some evidence of it but the effect is small ... small enough not to be a big impact.

GOOD JOB!

Bob Wilson

[justkyle]

Would either of you recommend doing this in a colder climate, where 20 degrees fahrenheit may be the high for the day? I used to do this with the Ford Taurus Station Wagon, but was always concerned about it overheating during the highway part of my commute.

[bwilson4web]

Hi,

I'd recommend getting some instrumentation. The ScanGauge would be a good start. I also have Auto Enginuity but can't recommend it . . . $400 price but no real support on problems.

Bob Wilson