Jeep Grill Inserts

[Fishee]

So I have had mixed feeling on grill inserts and decided to watch some videos thinking maybe I could be convinced to get one then I noticed this...

The insert is flat and doesn't sit flush against the slots. When they are advertised, it's always shown from straight on but when you see it from the side you see a big gap and clips are showing (see pic)

Anyone make inserts that sit flush against slots?

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[Gvsukids]

So I have had mixed feeling on grill inserts and decided to watch some videos thinking maybe I could be convinced to get one then I noticed this...

The insert is flat and doesn't sit flush against the slots. When they are advertised, it's always shown from straight on but when you see it from the side you see a big gap and clips are showing (see pic)

Anyone make inserts that sit flush against slots?

These cut down on airflow, and generally aren't recommended if towing or hauling heavy loads.

 

[rubicon4wheeler]

What a great way to make your Jeep overheat!

 

[Erievon]

My wife insisted on having one on her JL. I'm sure they do add a little heat, but I've driven it From Cle OH to Myrtle Beach that way twice now, including all the climbs in WV and VA and had no heat issues. Wasn't towing, but had 4 adults in the jeep and a full load of luggage. This was on the 2.0T though. If anything I'd think the turbo 4 would be more susceptible to heat issues.

No, they don't sit flush against the bars. There are two tabs on the back of the grille bars that prevent that, so the insert would have to be slotted, and curved to actually sit against the bars. I'm not aware of anyone that makes one that way.

 

[BearFootSam]

I'm no cooling engineer but I would agree that with those perforations being much smaller diameter and having a larger obstructed surface area than the stock hexagonal openings you are compromising cooling efficiency.

We know that FCA engineers put a lot of attention into the cooling performance of this platform compared to the wrangler. It seems that the bulk of concern revolved around the diesel, and it may be that the other power trains received reciprocal benefits as a result. It could also be that the 2.0T and 3.6 need additional cooling as well. I would assert that the gas power trains suffer less from heat issues than the transmission which is served by an independent radiator near the hood line. When towing and running heavily loaded, the transmission becomes your major concern.

It is cheap and easy to change out engine oil when high temperatures compromise lifespan, but the tranny is a different animal in that fluid changes are fraught and costly.

As we move into next summer, I would be keeping an eagle eye on transmission temps hoping to keep them below 200*F as much as possible to prolong fluid life.

Regarding the setback from the 7-slot grill (R), this might mitigate some of the cooling impact by creating dead space that can be pressurized and move more air through the insert. If it set flush with the grill, airflow would be more likely to route around the grill resulting in a more significant impact to cooling. I'd be impressed if the insert designers put that thought into the piece so it could just be a happy coincidence.

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