Gen II -- Why No Hood Leading-Edge Gap Seal? The Gen III has it!

[Rokeby]

I pull into a parking space between two 2009 Camrys (Camries?)
Just for fun, I get out and look at them really closely.
Whoa! What's this? There's a gasket sealing the ~3/8 inch gap between
the leading edge of the hoods and the bodywork. Its outer surface is
effectively flush with the body work and the hood... a smooth
transition between the two. Interesting.



I check the hood-upper grill gap on Amapola. It's about 5/16 inch, no
gasket. Open hood; no gasket anywhere in sight.

Check other Toyotas near by:
* Gen III has a ~1/8 inch gap and a gasket, again with a nearly flush fit.
* Recent Corolla has ~1/4 inch gap and a gasket, and a nearly flush fit.

Why should Gen II drivers care?

To help retain heat in the engine bay in the cold months I have both
upper and lower grill blocks. Additionally, I'm seeing some FE/MPG
improvement from using hadiant heat barrier/reflector. More on this
here:

ICE Radiant Heat Reflector for the Gen II

I see the gaping 5/16 inch gap between the blocked upper grill and the
hood as a way for unwanted cold air to be jammed into the engine
bay, where I don't want it.

What to do?

I could buy some of the Camry gasketing. It is a very soft, hollow "P"
shape.Not all that expensive, ~ $22 -- I've found nothing in this shape
at the local Auto Zone, Pep Boys, etc.:

Wholesale Toyota Parts

Or, I could block it with a slice of the water pipe insulation material I
already use. Cost, ~ $0.00

In addition to blocking the air, I want a smooth transition, like the
other cars. I'm thinking I am more likely to get it with the Camry
gasket than with the pipe insulation.

Constructive comments, observations, etc, are welcome.

[hobbit]

The real gasketing is internal, the rubber piece about 4 inches
back that comes down on that black radiator-cover plastic.
.
_H*

[BAllanJ]

Or you could use duct tape... kinda ugly, though.

[Tideland Prius]

What hobbit said. Plus, look at the design. All the cars you mention have bumpers that include the grille and actually go past the grille. The Gen 2's hood goes all the way to the front (i.e. the top part of the grille is the hood) and the gasket is underneath and "internal"