Lower grill block (partial or full)

Designed and printed these components that make up a partial or complete lower grill block

Made of several segments for ease of printing and the ability to do partial or full grill block depending on the temperature.

So far I'm noticing slightly quicker warm up times when parked or moving, no hard data yet

Partial lower grill block


Full lower grill block



These are prototypes but have held up to the winter so far. Improvement in aerodynamics is unknown but I'm able to coast at a higher speed down certain hwy hills that I drive often. Evidently temperature / wind / tire psi / etc all play into this so can't say for sure there is an improvement.

So far I have never exceeded 188 F / 87 Celcius according to my BT obd2 scanner, mix of city and hwy around freezing temps

An added benefit is less road salt getting sucked in...

The idea is to eventually sell these for a reasonable price either as a design file or as a printed or manufactured part

Considering adding some horizontal ribs for styling but unsure of the aerodynamic impact (better/worse?)
Feedback welcome!

 

Neat idea. You know what would be another cool idea? Some sort of 3D print that could 'click' onto the tow package ATF cooler.

I normally block mine off during the winter with a piece of hard plastic - whatever I have lying around. Its kinda janky with zipties though. Would be nice to have something with maybe 4 tangs that could snap over the little cooler assembly

 

I could definitely design something. If you DM me some pics / dimensions of the surface the part would need to mate to, I'll come up with something!

 

Update Dec 2024:

Grill block parts are still going strong, this is now the second fall/winter I'm using them, been monitoring the engine temperature and they seem to be usable all the way up to at least 50F/10C before there's any noticeable change above normal. Will have to experiment more with partial blocking at that temp...

Benefits are quicker warm up times, slightly improved hwy mpg (difficult to confirm), reducing salt/dirt/water intake behind the bumper and personally I find it looks kinda cool/unique but of course I'm biased!

 

Interesting.. you could also add some lights in your inserts

 

Not a bad idea. I hadn't thought of that as I have fog lights but I'm sure others with no fogs might want to do some kind of third party option.

 

Sounds like this might be a good idea. I live where it snows in the winter. Takes a while to warm up.
Let us know if you start selling these.

 

PM me if you are interested in a set, we can work out an early adopter price!