My carbon fiber grille, custom

[alias06]

I know that most of you guys will probably bash me on coolant temp, but living in MN and having about 4 months of snow, and city driving my car really doesn't get that hot. Just wanted to post that up front. :thumbup:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388826_2218051738725_1470574258_31818546_138698546 2_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/385860_2218049938680_1470574258_31818545_200899031 4_n.jpg

[CrankyOldMan]

Any chance you could post up how you put it together? I may just do something like this for the winter.

[alias06]

All I did for making was basic. I used the original grille from the yaris and then put a layer of carbon on top of it.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/384542_2218055298814_1470574258_31818547_105546692 2_n.jpg

After that layer cured, I put three more layers on top, only utilizing four layers, total but that is up to you.
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/383333_2218056978856_1470574258_31818548_815332919 _n.jpg

I tried vacuum bagging it to get a nice surface finish but the grille was flattened due to too much vacuum. So it didn't quite work out.
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374260_2218058578896_1470574258_31818554_3600076_n .jpg

After that it is just a lot of sanding it down to make it look nice. Good luck with it if you decide to make one

[Klink10]

No bashing here. Gotta do what you gotta do. I like the idea and with the lower opening not blocked I think everything will be okay.

[cali yaris]

A scan gauge would tell you if your intake temps or water temps rise. You could always open some holes if needed. Good job!

I bet you get 1-2 mpg gain out of this.

[matthewai]

yeah i was gonna say looks great but maybe cut a few holes

[KCALB SIRAY]

Astechically, it's not an eye sore and serves a purpose. I love the CF, but personally would love to see it color matched and the elimination of the cross hairs on the lower grill to make IT stand out a bit more. It would look a bit more OEM that way IMO. Very nice job!

[alias06]

Thanks for the positive comments. I was thinking about badging the grille with either a RS emblem or TRD. Not sure which one I want to do with yet, maybe both. was also thinking about doing a color match with red/carbon fiber. Possibly a CF hood and CF wing in the future, never know.

[Jason@SportsCar]

We are considering something similar on our car, although the rules require the block-off be done on the backside to maintain stock appearance. I think the car has plenty of grill area, and this should really clean up the air at the front of the hood.

I will be interested to hear how it works out temp wise for you.

[cali yaris]

I have a huge radiator, I bet I could do it too. :thumbsup:

[rufnnek]

two thumbs up dude.
did you check the temp rise inside the engine bay?
if you did can post the readings? ambient temp around your yaris and the engine bay temp...thanks.