Sandstone Graphic option
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 10-24-2005
Posts: 426
From: Atlanta
Originally Posted by SoCalHHR
" I think by using the two bars spaced like that they left enough room for air."
It's a show car - it will hardly ever see the street. Let alone be a "daily driver" - sitting in traffic with no airflow through the radiator...
It's a show car - it will hardly ever see the street. Let alone be a "daily driver" - sitting in traffic with no airflow through the radiator...
Totally agree, that this car is all show, probaly no-go...... But there might be a way to get similar look and still have air-flow. Don't know until you try!!! Definitely appreciate the thought on air-flow and will keep in mind. Nice thing with a four banger, should not be a big problem with over-heating.
I know the nervous-ness feeling of sitting in a Big Block Camaro stuck in traffic jam, watching the temp gauge rise and having to bail to side of the road, in order too cool down. Not Good!!
Senior Member
Joined: 10-14-2005
Posts: 5,359
From: SoCal
Grilles are designed by engineers who study aerodynamics, static heat buildup, and many other things I can't even pronounce. The Ford Fusion grile was designed to provide proper airflow for the engine. You are talking about blocking off a major source of cooling airflow on the HHR (air is scooped "up" towards the radiator/condenser area from here), - and what are you going to provide to replace it? Nothing.
I worked closely with a designer at one of my former jobs, and he explained to me that there's a lot more to "design" than just making something look cool. It takes a lot of work to get 60mph of airflow into the engine compartment when you have 60mph of wind outside - it's not that simple.
Hopefully, that gives you a bit more insight; it's about a lot more than "looks."
I worked closely with a designer at one of my former jobs, and he explained to me that there's a lot more to "design" than just making something look cool. It takes a lot of work to get 60mph of airflow into the engine compartment when you have 60mph of wind outside - it's not that simple.
Hopefully, that gives you a bit more insight; it's about a lot more than "looks."
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2005
Posts: 157
From: Nashville
Unknown as of yet. I thought the CW grill was OK, but nothing to scream about. I still don't like the two different styles of grills you end up with when you keep the OEM upper. Nothing available matches it. I'm still kinda playing with it to see what I can do that will work. It looks decent going down the road and from 20 feet, but up close it's a homemade job that still doesn't look to my satisfaction. I'll keep working on it until something comes available.
jerij
jerij