Go Back   EcoModder Forum > Introductions
Register
Now


Reply
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 08-03-2008, 05:05 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 5
Greetings, fellow aeronauts!

I read recently that about three percent of the automobile-buying population is interested in high-performance vehicles and a similar number is inclined towards high-mileage vehicles. Personally, I want both. My vehicle of choice is an '89 Honda Si with a JDM ZC motor and bolt-ons (headers, intake, underdrive pulleys, etc). Aside from being modestly lowered, it appears to be stock. My girlfriend lives about 300 miles from me and my families summer place is about 850 miles away. My goal is to create readily removable aero-mods that will allow me to beat ungodly mileage out of the car on long runs and yet have a low-key daily-driver. As it stands, it is very much a sleeper and far faster than it appears to be. I want it all.


(Support Ecomodder.com & get rid of these annoying ads!)      
 
  Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2008, 07:31 PM   #2 (permalink)
Captain Slow
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 6,018

Blackfly - '98 Metro
90 day: 78.69 mpg (US)

ForkenSwift - '92 Metro EV
90 day: 128.28 mpg (US)
Sounds like a plan! What's first on the list?

Welcome to the forum.
__________________
Latest test: Minivan Kardboard Kammback boosts MPG +3.7% (6.6%, counting roof rack delete)

Latest mod project: designing/building front wheel skirts (Geo Metro)





www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2008, 08:22 PM   #3 (permalink)
Fear the Mullet!
 
Johnny Mullet's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
Posts: 1,006

Christine - '98 Metro Base
90 day: 58.85 mpg (US)

Black Betty - '95 1500 4X4
90 day: 18.56 mpg (US)
Send a message via AIM to Johnny Mullet Send a message via MSN to Johnny Mullet
Removable aerodynamics sounds like fun!
__________________
  Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2008, 08:45 PM   #4 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 5
Thanks for the welcome, Metro MPG! My dream-goal would be to fashion a readily removable mask and bustle out of steam-bent wood and doped-fabric...old airplane tech, attached using modern race-car fasteners. I will have to research that methodology...the Winters are long. I used to own a Diesel Rabbit with an aftermarket fiberglass air-dam and a 4" nylon-backed rubber lip that was only a handful of inches from the pavement. I intend to fabricate a similar one from stuff I have seen at McMaster-Carr. I do not believe that side-skirts of the same material would be difficult to make either. A rear diffuser made from sheet metal would be fairly easy to make/attach (I have a good friend with metal-forming equipment). I am thinking about a wrap-around detachable air-dam with a reduced air intake. Back in the day, Ford Pintos had a louvered front grill that allowed plenty of air in while puttering yet allowed air to pass over at speed due to the angle of approach. If I can find any technical rationale for mounting Vortekz tabs, I will. I am researching a higher fifth gear and contemplating mounting 175/55x16 (Yokohama Advan Neova AD07) tires to reduce my frontal area (and provide a taller final drive ratio). Alas, despite being larger in diameter, they are damned pricy at $192/each. I will put a lip in front of the windshield wipers ala Basjoos. I have more ideas than time but will start slow.
  Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2008, 11:02 PM   #5 (permalink)
Captain Slow
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 6,018

Blackfly - '98 Metro
90 day: 78.69 mpg (US)

ForkenSwift - '92 Metro EV
90 day: 128.28 mpg (US)
Lots of interesting ideas. The hard part is picking one and getting to work. At least for me...
__________________
Latest test: Minivan Kardboard Kammback boosts MPG +3.7% (6.6%, counting roof rack delete)

Latest mod project: designing/building front wheel skirts (Geo Metro)





www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2008, 12:29 AM   #6 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 5
Right you are MetroMPG. My tendancy is to just change one thing at a time...but Murphy usually shows up anyway.
  Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Just A Reminder For You Aeronauts ... Bror Jace Aerodynamics 15 08-02-2008 08:46 PM
Hiya, fellow hypermilers! lumpy Introductions 4 07-16-2008 05:58 PM




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0 RC5
All content copyright EcoModder.com