Lately, with the help of some of the members here, I have been experimenting with ways to get better heat, as well as keep the engine up to a decent operating temp in very cold temperatures.

The latest thing I've done is to take a piece of 1/2" plywood, and cut it to 20.5" x 31.5", then prime it and paint it gloss black to hide it and protect it from moisture. It fits like a glove between the radiator and tranny cooler, and completely blocks the air flow to the radiator. It's been keeping my truck at just under 200 degrees in close to zero weather. If it starts to warm up outside, it takes two seconds to pop open the hood and slide it out.

Just thought I'd share.

 

yeah im up in central NY it gets pretty cold and I have been rockin a piece of cardboard and looks hillbillish but will try the plywood trick sounds good! thanks

 

I use these when temps really get down there. They work great.

 

silver_dodge I got those same things I love them so much, I have the E-fan so she warms up in a snap.

 

where do you get those. i would search, but i don't know what their exact name is.

Thanks!

 

Not to sure if it's exactly the same make but have a look at these.

http://www.gotolund.com/lund_coldfro...lle_insert.asp

 

I've got a piece I hang from the upper rad support.. only use it when temps drop below 15

 

Thanks! i will be moving to indiana in a few months, so I want to be prepared when the next winter comes. Then i will be moving to NY state in 2012, so they will get some good use.

BTW, does anyone know how much a ziebart job costs? Last I checked it was 1400 for the whole shebang (Undercoating and body sealer).

 

The link that merc posted are the ones I have (Lund cold weather grill inserts). They make them in the black or in chrome. The black ones I have were actually delivered as a shiney black. I didn't care for the sheen on them, so I hit them with a coat of flat black. That's why mine look the way they do.

 

Those grille inserts are a cool idea!