n8kwx — The TCH's thermostat remains closed until the ICE's water temperature reaches ~82 degrees C. In cold weather it doesn't reach such temperatures under in-town driving conditions (using my ScanGaugeII to monitor the water temperature). So, the car's radiator remains cold — feel it after a drive! I don't think there's any point in fitting a "grille blocker."

Stan

 

Another alternative is to just add some genuine 'imitation chrome' to the lower grille.

 

MickeysPal - looks pretty slick! What did you use for the "imitation chrome"? My TCH is black.

 

^they sell the kit on ebay.

 

How about painting the lower grill(s) "argent*" to match the upper grill, then add the chrome? (*or what ever color the upper grill backgound is)

Thoughts?

 

I will try feeling the radiator sometime. My commute is an hour so it does have every chance to warm up. (I should get a scan gauge!)

A side benefit with blocking the grille, is that my engine might stay cleaner. No more salt sprays all winter long!

 

I don't have any experience with radiator blocking but when looking into it, read that reducing the airflow into the engine compartment reduced heat loss. So there might be some benefit to blocking the radiator or grill even if no water is being pumped through the radiator.

 

Ebay...

2007 TOYOTA CAMRY LOWER GRILLE CHROME TRIM KIT
and
2007 TOYOTA CAMRY FOG LIGHT GRILLE CHROME TRIM KIT

The seller is zoozoo_5

 

Thanks.

 

I'm not sure what the grille blocking material is made out of but what has worked very well in my Ford Ranger (and gave it a cool look) is using some very fine aluminum screen to back the grille. All the required supplies are very cheap at the local hardware store. It wouldn't keep it warm but has helped with rocks, salt, and other foreign object making their way into the engine compartment.