Coolant guage in, air dam testing
I have installed a coolant temp guage a few weeks ago and removed my Radiator fan at the end of the last tank. I did not see any improvement in engine response or economy without the fan, which baffles me.
So my next thing on the list was the air dam. I have cut up a cardboard box and started sticking the pieces behind my grill in front of my radiator. Right now 95% of the grill is blocked with a small ~2"X12" opening on one side exposed(not even in front of the radiator). I drove to work with 79 degree ambient temps and never got beyond 218 degrees (same as without block). It will be warmer out when I go home this evening, so that will be a better test. One awesome thing I noticed is it only took 1-2 miles to get up to 200 degrees, where it usually takes 4 miles or so. Big improvement there that should increase economy by itself. I am still not sure if I can coast any further with the cardboard in place. It is not evenly put on like the nice blocks I have seen here, as I don't want to cover up my chrome grill and make my car ugly :(. I might be able to paint the cardboard silver and put it closer to the grill for a more permanent install (or maybe black?). How much should a grill block improve on a car as big as mine anyhow? Is it going to be a smaller improvement in comparison to a metro with a grill block? |
Flat black paint works well.
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Thanks I will have to try that.
I covered some more on the way home today. Still didn't make too much of a difference in temps, however it was pretty cool out as a rain storm had come through. This week ought to be interesting. |
Do you have an electric fan in there yet? I just don't want you to melt anything.
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No, I don't have a fan yet. I don't drive in traffic though, and turn off at stoplights. From my testing today it looks like it takes 30-60 seconds for the temp to start rising from 210 after my coast to the stoplight. (had to leave it running as I had run my battery down the night before leaving my lights on)
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Its spelled gauge not guage.
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Thanks, I work at a place with the name guard. Guess I didn't think about gauge being spelt opposite :o
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I like your car Fourthbean.
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Fourthbean - I saw better FE with a 75% grille block on the Jeep. You've got better aero qualities than I do, so YMMV. Not sure about longer coast-down times, tho.....
BTW - That's some big brass cojones....running that Bel-Air without a rad. fan.... |
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