Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB

[efusco]

With Spring/summer approaching I'm not in a huge hurry to get this, but I'd sure like to see a finalized version available for a Prius with fog lamps and some sort of adjustable opening that is painted to match my Seaside Pearl color by this fall.

[mxvet]

I can buy a lot of pipe insulation for $100.00.......

[krousdb]

I have fog lights but have never used them so the lack of foglight holes doesn't bother me. Even though it doesn't get too cold where I live, I do notice a faster warmup time with this product installed. So I have slightly better mileage during the first 5 minutes. I used a bead of clear RTV to attach it and it is very secure. If I did it again, I would only use a small dollop at each corner and 2 more in the middle.

Mostly I do highway driving and have had seen no ill effects so far. I have no vents in the lower grille block and have cruised for hours on the highway at temps up to 85F without noticing an increase in the normal coolant temperature, 186F. Last year, when I used duct tape to block both upper and lower openings, I did see the cooling fan cycling on and off between 196F and 206F. I plan on leaving the upper grille open this summer to see how hot it needs to get outside to raise the coolent temp above 186F. If my fan starts cycling, I will probably cut a few holes in the lower block for additional cooling.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by krousdb

I have fog lights but have never used them so the lack of foglight holes doesn't bother me. Even though it doesn't get too cold where I live, I do notice a faster warmup time with this product installed. So I have slightly better mileage during the first 5 minutes. I used a bead of clear RTV to attach it and it is very secure. If I did it again, I would only use a small dollop at each corner and 2 more in the middle.

That's a thought...and theoretically it would provide a tighter seal than one with cut-outs...I do like the look of having the fog lamps, but I'm not hung up on that. I do think I'd want the piece painted though...it looks like a huge gapping yaw.

My next whine you ask....upper grill block!!

[Kremtok]

Is there any reason why a clear, plexiglass-like material couldn't be used? Only the black plastic looks kind of silly. Clear would be much less visible and would allow persons with fog lights to continue their use without a different product being developed specifically for those cars. I'm heading to the hardware store tomorrow to see what I can come up with.

[Qlara]

I don't see how it could 'block' anything with so many big holes in it.

[Hybrid Effects]

NICE

I am still working on the HGB and it will have Vent Plugs, Clear Poly Plugs, Nickle Plated Plugs or White or Black Plugs 3" or 2". Tinted Clear Fiber Glass, Invisible Carbon Fiber, 2x2 twill Carbon Fiber, Sea Side Pearl or any Prius Color code produced. Check for availability in sizing. You have to wait and see.

Plexiglas gets brittle when it gets cold and has no strands kinda like ABS = ( I need a big oven) maybe one day I will figure it all out.

Thanks Franklin

[Hybrid Effects]

O and I heard the fog lights blow up when you get water on them.

I am looking for fog lights


Dany call me

Franklin

[krousdb]

Finally got to wash my car now that the water restrictions have been relaxed.

Yesterday, on the way home from work (37 miles on I-95), with a 12 MPH tailwind, 72.1 MPG at 59 MPH, 86F. A new record for me.

For the entire 67 mile trip, 73.5 MPG, also a new record.
After 126k miles, I think it has finally broken in.

[Hybrid Effects]

That's amazing Dan. How do you think the car will do when it is 100 degrees outside and you are siting at a stop light? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

If you think you will need some venting you can always plot out and drill some 2" or 3" holes and I can send you some vent plugs they have small holes in them that should allow air to be pulled in from the radiator fans if need be. I also believe that the vent plugs will also give good aerodynamics at highway speeds.

Franklin