Plug-In Prius grille-blocking

Blocked my PIP lower grille yesterday afternoon- took my first trip with the block in place today...
Drove my usual 28mi to work- the outside temp was a chilly 39deg- at the end of my trip I got 88mpg via the dashboard display. That's my usual mpg with the PIP when the temps are in the 60-80deg range...
Nice!

 

Thought that I would try a piece of foam this year, took out all the plastic holders and plastic top portion plus two holding bolts for the top portion of the bumper, I was then able to squeeze a piece about 12x12 inches which blocked about one half of grill. Which is OK as a starter for CA. On the way to my fitness facility this morning the engine never came on. Temp 52 distance 2.5 miles. However on the way back the engine came on. So I conclude that the car now got colder, overall and MAYBE grill blocking did not help. However it is too early to tell. Right now the weather is just too mild to determine anything. Incidently in looking from the top down I only see one total grill. It is maybe sub-decided into inverter and engine portions, but looks like one. I am going to purchase a OBD II from PC Store so I can monitor the temp easily. It dous do that, right? Both inverter and engine? Or just engine.

 

Not sure of the PID's for the plug in yet but I know the GenIII does both engine and inverter coolant temps. Running Torque right?

 

The Pip is also Gen III. What are PIDs?

 

See here: Prius PHV: Custom PIDs for Torque Android App | PriusChat

 

Does anyone have any pictures of this setup, I'm having trouble imaging how this mounts.

 

What is this setup?

 

Blocking the grill Would like to see how it is being secured, etc.

 

Which method ?

 

just stuff the foam pipe insulation in between the grilles. there are genIII threads with pics.

 

Maybe he's talking of my foam method.....

 

could be, do you have pics?

 

NO, IT'S CLASSIFIED!, seriously my post did explain it quite well, however this flat piece of foam is only blocking about 1/2 the grill right now, to the right side of the radiator. I still can add a piece to the left side to block it totally. So far no overheat problems, but I can't see what I am helping.

 

Please quote a previous post, so the subject matter is crystal clear. TY

 

i take it you did it this way so it is not visable?

 

yes, one reason, also possible better insulation. Not critical for CA but definitely critical for points North. I tried the foam pipe insulation method for 7 years on the 05 and did not notice anything significant. The main problem with the pipe foam is getting it to stay. The flat piece of white foam I have now presses in perfectly, I think I was lucky. Also the airflow is pressing it against the radiator/inverter grill.

 

i tried it last year. i didn't have a problem keeping it in, but i didn't notice a difference either, contrary to most people. maybe you need a scangauge to see it?

 

Agree, I'll leave all the precise record keeping to some of our very talented commentators.

 

John,
Can you or someone chart the ICE on/off temp cycles on a cold day, with and without the Grill Blocking?
Or has this info already been posted elsewhere?

Thanks.