All, I've got a 2011 Prius Two. Live in Minneapolis where the temps in Dec/Jan/Feb are going to be 30F or less day and night. Need to know which one is better the engine block heater OR grill blocking ?
probably both. grill blocking is extremely easy, so do it right away. Costs ~2$ on foam, and ~10min cutting/installing. The heater is 60$ but will require a couple hours to install (I wish I did it together with STB when it was all accessible). Our temps are still in 50s, 30s in the morning. Blocking cut morning heating time ~1/3. There are improvements on consumption in 0-5min range, and 5-10min range is almost on par with the rest of the drive. Using heater would help me as first 1.5mi are in 25MPH speed zone so it would be mostly electric if engine were warm. But it would not have much overall impact as my drive is ~1/2hr. On back trip heater is less useless as speed limit is 55 off the bat. Also heater would improve avg for short drives.
Both, they compliment one another quite nicely. Grill blocking is dirt cheap. The EBH costs $40 and is a bit harder to install (but not that hard) and you have to be able to plug in and remember to plug in, and remember to unplug. But it's hard to beat the advantages a prewarmed engine gives you on a cold morning or after a cold soak.
Hi cyclopathic, What was the pipe size that appears to be the best fit for the 2011 prius? Also, just the lower grill, leaving the upper one open, correct?
definately a DIY--do a search here on PC and elsewhere for plenty of how-to and step by step instructions. If you're still hesitant I bet you can find someone in the Minneapolis area to help you out (John1701a for instance).
Both. I think mine's a 1/2" foam pipe insulator. I keep forgetting. I only block the lower air dam. You can block up to 50% of the top but do not block 100% of the top.
Most definitely go for the block. I have and MPG is still holding above 50... but not for long. It's 26°F at the moment and falling. .
