Has anyone tried covering up some or all off the grill on a late style Dart? I wonder if it gets enough air from the bottom to cool the radiator. Could this be more aerodynamic and get better mileage? Any thoughts?

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Grandpa's 1974 Dart Custom 4 door 225 auto, Aluminum Radiator, 1920 Holley.

I made a cardboard mockup to fit in my grill and if I cover it up to were it start to make a point ('74 grill) that leaves me with 17" wide opening, seems like it should be enough as the radiator is only 19" wide anyway. Hmm....

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Grandpa's 1974 Dart Custom 4 door 225 auto, Aluminum Radiator, 1920 Holley.

Blocking off part of the grill can help, but it can just as easily hurt.
If you want to try, make sure you make careful before and after measurements so you can tell whether it makes any difference, or just "feels" better. Check aero drag and fluid temperatures as well as fuel economy so you can tell what's actually changing, if anything.

.HERE'S an approach to measuring the aerodynamics of various driving modes for an older Plymouth.

Aerodynamic changes will help most at highway speeds.

Airflow can be a tricky thing. Some very fast cars do well with relatively small radiator openings, partly because of the high pressure in front of the openings, and partly because of air management in, through, and out of the radiator and engine compartment. The same cars may overheat at normal speeds.

The shape of an air opening can hurt the flow. An opening simply cut into flat sheet will not allow as much flow as a somewhat smaller opening with appropriate radii.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Thanks for that link! Looks like a nice measurement scheme on first look.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Cool link SV!

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

A little tinkering with the Excel file would let one test several "modes" on any car. I've been meaning to do that ...
I'd like to do the obvious tests - stock ride height, windows up/down, etc, and then look at rake, chin spoiler/splitter, wickerbill, etc.
You don't know until you test.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO