Grille overlay - impact to engine from airflow reduction/redirect?

[navyseal334]

23 Suburban Duramax 3.0 here. Considering a snap-on grille overlay but am concerned about the potential reduction in airflow and the impact to the engine/vehicle.

Can anyone comment on their experience if they've used an overlay or comment whether the reduction (or redirection) in airflow could be substantial enough to impact fuel mileage/cooling ability? As I understand it, airflow is more crucial to a gas engine for fuel performance than a diesel; correct me if I misunderstand. But I imagine cooling would be still be a factor for diesel.

Would impact be tolerable in normal conditions but exacerbated under load (e.g. towing) or in high heat (currently residing in Mesa, AZ with 120 degree summers)?

https://trimillusion.com/p/1773-abs6512blk/v/1773

 

[Trey Hardy]

23 Suburban Duramax 3.0 here. Considering a snap-on grille overlay but am concerned about the potential reduction in airflow and the impact to the engine/vehicle.

Can anyone comment on their experience if they've used an overlay or comment whether the reduction (or redirection) in airflow could be substantial enough to impact fuel mileage/cooling ability? As I understand it, airflow is more crucial to a gas engine for fuel performance than a diesel; correct me if I misunderstand. But I imagine cooling would be still be a factor for diesel.

Would impact be tolerable in normal conditions but exacerbated under load (e.g. towing) or in high heat (currently residing in Mesa, AZ with 120 degree summers)?

https://trimillusion.com/p/1773-abs6512blk/v/1773

I’ve put billet grill overlays in every vehicle I’ve owned and never seen a difference in cooling temperatures or transmission temps
I wouldn’t worry about it

 

[GoNoGo]

The Duramax "lower grill" is open from the factory specifically for additional airflow, whereas the gasoline model "lower grill" is blocked off from the factory.

I think it would be a BAD idea to restrict airflow through any of the grills on the Duramax equipped vehicles.. and I have one of each.

 

[Stbentoak]

There is really no substitute for removing the stock grille and having it professionally sprayed by a body shop if you want something that looks sharp and will last……

 

[Vladimir2306]

An acquaintance of mine put a grid on the t1 tahoe, as a result, he has 10 degrees Celsius higher automatic transmission temperature in all modes than mine. I have 65 in the city, he has 75. I'm 70 in the heat, he has 80-85. I am against nets, they greatly disrupt the movement of the oncoming flow of the swelling