Preparing for winter with a comprehensive strategy to improve MPGs including grille blocking & more

[acdii]

Don't bother with the lower cover, leave it off, it doesn't do anything, and could impede cooling of the cooling system for the electrical. Already did the testing of that, made zero difference in temps, the main grill is all that needs to be covered.

[ptjones]

Don't bother with the lower cover, leave it off, it doesn't do anything, and could impede cooling of the cooling system for the electrical. Already did the testing of that, made zero difference in temps, the main grill is all that needs to be covered.

I'm surprised that the bottom doesn't do anything because of the large surface area of radiator. I thought the inverter radiator was behind ICE radiator. When it gets real cold it's preferable to completely block of everything for around town and for distances of about 15mi or less on FWY. The CMAX has very small intake area for radiator. I have cut out covers for 2013 FFH and would like to do some testing. I was hoping for someone in Atlanta area but may need to send to member with ScanGauge to test.

 

Paul

[acdii]

I tested ICE temps with the scan gauge both with and without the cover. I made the main cover first and a week later the lower cover, but there was no change in ICE temps after putting the lower cover on. According to HB, the lower grill has the inverter cooling radiator. These tests were done in 20* and lower temps. So far we have had several 20* mornings and I still managed to get 45 MPG, so the one cover is working good. Also if there is a license plate frame, there are tabs on the back of it that you need to cut slots for and pry the frame forward so you can slide the cover behind and lock it in, but you can risk distorting the bumper cover. I also have the Adaptiv cruise so there is only about 40 square inches of open area.

[ptjones]

I wonder if there is any aero improvement by blocking it off?

 

Paul

[Eddie Sessum]

We can always go prius with duct tape :P

[acdii]

I wonder if there is any aero improvement by blocking it off?

 

Paul

Nothing you would ever notice, except over long term. The grill shutters main purpose is to improve aerodynamics by redirecting airflow around and down from the radiator instead of through it and creating a bubble in the engine compartment.

[Wingmn]

Paul, as I mentioned I am interested, but out of the states, and I only want the main grill cover, any thoughts on a price for just the main cover? I should be back in the states by Friday and will be ready to order, but like I said, only the main cover.

[Da0ne]

Well I have LEXAN sheets to make several FFH sets. I'm in the process of cutting them out and wondering how many members are interested in them. From my trip to AZ and back I have learned that the ICE update has changed the temp the shutters open until 210degrees at slow speeds and 215degrees around 60mph+. I saw temps as high as 236degrees on ScanGauge going up hills and high speed. I also have a cutout cover I use for higher temps that lowers the ICE temp by approx. 10degrees. The top white line on Smart Temp Gauge is around 242degrees. So this is not a problem but some people may not want to run coolant temp. that high so I'm going to supply second big Grill cover with cutouts to get more air flow with out losing the aero improvement. Also we need to determine where and how to attach License Plate. I'm looking at $100 for the two center covers and small lower cover.

 

Paul

 

i mentioned it before also interested in this but would need only the top grille, i would love to test it out but i dont have a scangauge

[ptjones]

 

i mentioned it before also interested in this but would need only the top grille, i would love to test it out but i dont have a scangauge

I had an accident with a deer last nite so CMAX has significant damage and will be in Body Shop for probable a couple weeks. With alot of searching I was able to find a 2014 Black SE FFH at Budget Car Rental so I will have a couple of weeks to test my Grill Covers Design. I got 53.5MPG for 41mi. on I85 going home. Temps in mid 50's and drafting.

 

Paul

Edited November 19, 2013 by ptjones

[Wingmn]

I had an accident with a deer last nite so CMAX has significant damage and will be in Body Shop for probable a couple weeks. With alot of searching I was able to find a 2014 Black SE FFH at Budget Car Rental so I will have a couple of weeks to test my Grill Covers Design. I got 53.5MPG for 41mi. on I85 going home. Temps in mid 50's and drafting.

 

Paul

Paul sorry about your deer meeting, hope you are ok. I did not see your thoughts on a price just for the main cover, have you had a chance to think about it?

[Da0ne]

I had an accident with a deer last nite so CMAX has significant damage and will be in Body Shop for probable a couple weeks. With alot of searching I was able to find a 2014 Black SE FFH at Budget Car Rental so I will have a couple of weeks to test my Grill Covers Design. I got 53.5MPG for 41mi. on I85 going home. Temps in mid 50's and drafting.

 

Paul

 

wow sorry to hear that about your cmax, glad your ok well after your testing i would like to purchase a grill cover as soon as possible im starting to get 33 - 40 mpg as the finance dont like to be cold so its taking a big hit in the mpg, car is displaying 43.8 mpg now down from 44.3 last month

[hybridbear]

I had an accident with a deer last nite so CMAX has significant damage and will be in Body Shop for probable a couple weeks. With alot of searching I was able to find a 2014 Black SE FFH at Budget Car Rental so I will have a couple of weeks to test my Grill Covers Design. I got 53.5MPG for 41mi. on I85 going home. Temps in mid 50's and drafting.

 

Paul

So sorry to hear about your accident!

[ptjones]

Paul sorry about your deer meeting, hope you are ok. I did not see your thoughts on a price just for the main cover, have you had a chance to think about it?

I'm installing Grill Covers 2014 FFH rental and I'm testing them. Stay tuned. My first impression is 2014 some different as compared to 2013 CMAX. Should have more info in the next couple of days. :)

 

Paul

[BlueZips]

I made a grill cover for my car a couple weeks ago. I didnt use a sheet of plexi glass or lexan. I had some woven fiberglass cloth laying around so i traced and cut out the shape of the grill. Then took some automotive epoxy and spread it into the cloth, which i had laying on a plastic sheet (4 mil dropcloth). Also attached a plastic sheet over the front end of the car. I placed the fiberglass and resin before it cured over the grill to conform to the shape of the grill. Waited for it to dry. Painted it black with a flat black plastidip (rubbery to prevent scratching). Added some window insulation foam to the backside in vertical strips to prevent the cover from rubbing on the chrome. Dilled three sets of holes and strung some twine through and around the grill, until i was able to buy some black zip ties. It works great, and looks like I blacked out my grill.

[ptjones]

I made a grill cover for my car a couple weeks ago. I didnt use a sheet of plexi glass or lexan. I had some woven fiberglass cloth laying around so i traced and cut out the shape of the grill. Then took some automotive epoxy and spread it into the cloth, which i had laying on a plastic sheet (4 mil dropcloth). Also attached a plastic sheet over the front end of the car. I placed the fiberglass and resin before it cured over the grill to conform to the shape of the grill. Waited for it to dry. Painted it black with a flat black plastidip (rubbery to prevent scratching). Added some window insulation foam to the backside in vertical strips to prevent the cover from rubbing on the chrome. Dilled three sets of holes and strung some twine through and around the grill, until i was able to buy some black zip ties. It works great, and looks like I blacked out my grill.

Good job, I would close off lower Grills to to get maximum benefit. Do you have a ScanGauge to monitor your temps? You can setup Smart Gauge to My View with temp gauge and split power. I'm testing my LEXAN Grill Covers now should have them ready to ship next week. :)

Paul

Edited November 22, 2013 by ptjones

[hybridbear]

I made a grill cover for my car a couple weeks ago. I didnt use a sheet of plexi glass or lexan. I had some woven fiberglass cloth laying around so i traced and cut out the shape of the grill. Then took some automotive epoxy and spread it into the cloth, which i had laying on a plastic sheet (4 mil dropcloth). Also attached a plastic sheet over the front end of the car. I placed the fiberglass and resin before it cured over the grill to conform to the shape of the grill. Waited for it to dry. Painted it black with a flat black plastidip (rubbery to prevent scratching). Added some window insulation foam to the backside in vertical strips to prevent the cover from rubbing on the chrome. Dilled three sets of holes and strung some twine through and around the grill, until i was able to buy some black zip ties. It works great, and looks like I blacked out my grill.

Sounds neat! Can you post a pic please? :camera:

[jtbogus]

Me Too!

How 'bout a folding pattern that is easily mail-able.

Anyone know (or can guess) how Ford would react to seeing the cover when at a Dealer?

 

JT

[Wingmn]

Paul,

Any more thoughts on a price for just the main grill cover? I'm ready to order this week.

[ptjones]

Me Too!

How 'bout a folding pattern that is easily mail-able.

Anyone know (or can guess) how Ford would react to seeing the cover when at a Dealer?

 

JT

They find it a novelty. When I bring my car in the service people wonder what I have done new. If people say you are going to over heat your ICE just explain that your ICE doesn't run very often so It doesn't need much air for radiator. If you read your Owners Handbook the ICE is programed to protect itself no mater what happens. If it gets to hot it will shut down.

 

Paul,

Any more thoughts on a price for just the main grill cover? I'm ready to order this week.

I have been working on a way to simply attach cover to grill. I don't want to be drilling holes into the grill. I want you to be able to install in 5 minutes. I think I'm looking at $75 for the big Grill Cover. Holding down the ends is the problem. I hope to have that problem solved today. BTW Thanks for sending the cold temps down here you guys, High 20's this morning. ;)

 

Paul

[Da0ne]

They find it a novelty. When I bring my car in the service people wonder what I have done new. If people say you are going to over heat your ICE just explain that your ICE doesn't run very often so It doesn't need much air for radiator. If you read your Owners Handbook the ICE is programed to protect itself no mater what happens. If it gets to hot it will shut down.

 

I have been working on a way to simply attach cover to grill. I don't want to be drilling holes into the grill. I want you to be able to install in 5 minutes. I think I'm looking at $75 for the big Grill Cover. Holding down the ends is the problem. I hope to have that problem solved today. BTW Thanks for sending the cold temps down here you guys, High 20's this morning. ;)

 

Paul

 

no problems it will help with the testing

[Wingmn]

Ordered my set yesterday, looking forward to it! Thanks Paul!

[hybridbear]

Check out this link for more information applicable to cold weather.

 

It appears that the coolant temp can now drop as low as 51C/124F with HVAC on and the ICE off. Not under all circumstances will the computer allow the coolant to get that cool, but that appears to be the lower limit.

[ptjones]

I'm working on Grill Covers today and hope to ship out tomorrow. I was thinking that one solution with the license plate is to mount it on Grill Cover like I do with the CMAX. I still recommend closing off bottom openings too for Max benefit in cold temps . BTW I think I have mentioned this but the ICE gets significant cooling from the oil pan. I put an oil pan heater pad on and temps went up 5-10degrees. :)

 

Paul

[hybridbear]

Since our temps today are in the single digits and we're supposed to get to -20 this weekend I added the lower grille cover from acdii last night. This morning driving on the interstate to Owatonna the warmest the coolant reached was 181^oF. The warmest the air intake temp reached was about 20 degrees above ambient or about 25^oF. I also finished blocking the rest of the grille on my wife's Prius last night to help keep it warmer too.

[ptjones]

Since our temps today are in the single digits and we're supposed to get to -20 this weekend I added the lower grille cover from acdii last night. This morning driving on the interstate to Owatonna the warmest the coolant reached was 181^oF. The warmest the air intake temp reached was about 20 degrees above ambient or about 25^oF. I also finished blocking the rest of the grille on my wife's Prius last night to help keep it warmer too.

At those temps I would recommend taping off the complete front end to conserve heat as much as possible. On a long trip you may need to be a little more conservative. If you have MYVIEW set for water temp then you have nothing to worry about as long as the temps stay below the top white line. I have never seen them close to that. :)

 

Paul