Grill insert = Poor MPG? [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

idahotruckman

11-19-2009, 07:45 PM

On one of my travel trailer forums someone claimed that his fuel mileage decreased after he installed a custom grill insert on his GMC. Is there any validity to this and if so, how would a grill insert cause less fuel mileage?
I have a Putco grill insert on my 08 GMC. It consists of round horizontal bars about 1/2 inch thick all the way across. Each bar is spaced approximately 3/4 of an inch to the next bar.
Any ideas?

Dwyer77

11-19-2009, 07:54 PM

Oregonnovaguy

11-19-2009, 09:40 PM

Since we're talking aero, does anyone have an idea why the 1500's have an air dam below the front bumper, but not the 2500's?

For what it's worth, I think that no single thing like grille, mirror size, or tires alone would make a measurable difference in MPG, but 2 or 3 things together will. A Prius has a Cd of .28 for a reason (not because it looks good). The only way a grille would affect MPG would be if it blocks air from going through it, it should improve MPG, but reduce cooling.

Seminole ndn

11-19-2009, 11:02 PM

I got An 08 GMC with a stainless steel grill and I don't see any difference in mileage

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s89/seminolendn/DSC04369.jpg

mountainar15

11-20-2009, 12:26 AM

maybe he cranked his torsion bars at the same time and is blaming the grille.

LtEng5

11-20-2009, 12:39 AM

the 1500's are rated for city/highway mpgs and the over air dam forces the air over the truck rather than letting it go under. smoother flight path over the truck compared to the "turbulent" under carriage. some of the new ( past few years ) cars from luxury mid-level to exotics have "aero" under carriages to get better mpg ratings and improve handling. the 2500's and up are not mpg rate as they are classed as "commercial" or "business" vehicles. so why put a part on that is only needed for a rating that allows the manufacturer to have a truck counted in the overall mpg of vehicles produced to get government pollution credits

Duramax-LMM

11-20-2009, 10:23 AM

Check out the chrome covers - OEM look and quality - I have one - really like it.........

http://stores.ebay.com/UpgradeYourAuto__W0QQ_sacatZUpgradeYourAutoQQ_sidZ 63134696?_nkw=chrome+2500+gmc+grill&submit=Search

;)

NC Hauler

11-20-2009, 11:23 AM

I replaced the OEM grille on sig. truck with an upper and lower insert and I saw absoluley no difference in mpg empty or towing, all chrome and makes the truck look great. Lower mpg???..where do people come up with this stuff????

oliver454

11-20-2009, 11:26 AM

I claim BS. Wonder what the guy would say if he put a winter front on? I dont think grille insert has anything to do with MPG, tow mirrors vs regular mirrors doesnt really make a difference how would an insert? Seems ridiculous to me but thats just my .02.

Ditto. Just finished 2500 mile trip (empty) and got 19-20 mpg, by computer. That's with a Cloud Rider winter front on, see garage. MPG varied more due to right foot or posted speed, sweet spot right now is approx. 1800-1900 rpm. :)

Rodeo_Joe

11-20-2009, 11:45 AM

i can see a winter front especially if u leave it on all year..... the extra coolin durin the summer would hurt your mpg.......but as long as u still get lots of air flow through you shouldn't have a problem

idahotruckman

11-20-2009, 01:25 PM

[quote=Duramax-LMM;3569757]Check out the chrome covers - OEM look and quality - I have one - really like it.........

http://stores.ebay.com/UpgradeYourAuto__W0QQ_sacatZUpgradeYourAutoQQ_sidZ 63134696?_nkw=chrome+2500+gmc+grill&submit=Search

;)Wish I would have known about these chrome covers prior to ordering my $400 grill insert.

D2addict

11-20-2009, 05:05 PM

I got An 08 GMC with a stainless steel grill and I don't see any difference in mileage

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s89/seminolendn/DSC04369.jpg

That's what Ive been looking for. The lights too. Where & how much?

Duramax-LMM

11-23-2009, 01:00 PM

Terms of Use