Winter gill inserts

[curatchko]

Do we really need these grill inserts? Seems to me that if the thermostat does its job, the coolant will heat up either way. Temps at worst case get to the 0's here, and typically in the range of teens-high 20's here in the worst of winter.



Second question is if I get the Lund Vented stainless inserts, can I keep them on the truck over the summer? Being vented? They kinda look cool

 

[illflem]

I've found that the inserts don't make a heck of a lot of difference as far as coolant temp but make a big difference in intake air temperature.

Optimum intake temp for maximum power and fuel economy is 50-90°F. When it drops below 30° it's hard to keep this up.

Our trucks have such an overbuilt cooling system that when the temps get below about 10° I doubt if you even need a radiator, the heater core will be enough to keep the coolant temp in check.

What makes a bigger difference than inserts on coolant temp is removing the fan for the winter. Makes for quicker and toastier heater. Mine is off from Oct till June.