Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > Aerodynamics
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 01-03-2013, 04:10 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
AXMAN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: East Anglia UK
Posts: 3
Thanks: 1
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Best aeromod contstruction methods?

Hi chaps, This is my first post on ecomodder but I have been hypermiling for a couple of years now.
My weapon of choice is a Citroen AX 1.5d. which has returned a best figure of 72mpg (UK) with 40 psi in the tyres and some basic hypermiling techniques. Average mpg is between 58 to 62.

Now I want to get serious with it and give it a scangauge and some aero mods:
rear wheel skirts (cos I think they look sweet), a partial Kammback, smoothed bumpers ect.

Is there a proven construction method for these? I was considering light ply structures with model aircraft film as covering or GRP moulding.

I don't want to go at it all wrong and over-complicate it, but I dont want it to stand out in a way that gets me pulled over every week.

Many thanks.

  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 01-03-2013, 04:23 PM   #2 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
2000neon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 596

VX - '94 Honda Civic VX
Team Honda
90 day: 47.95 mpg (US)
Thanks: 133
Thanked 89 Times in 66 Posts
You can do a search for some of the build threads here for details on building the mods. With my old Neon I used mainly coroplast (corrugated plastic), and when I needed a little more strength I added some 1/8" aluminum bar behind it. I used that for the belly pan, wheel skirts, and kammback. I have a thread for it called 2000 Neon Aero Mods which shows all of mine.
__________________

  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to 2000neon For This Useful Post:
AXMAN (01-03-2013)
Old 01-03-2013, 04:58 PM   #3 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
AXMAN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: East Anglia UK
Posts: 3
Thanks: 1
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanks neon, I read your thread. DIY wheel covers look good in green. How does the coro belly pan cope with exhaust heat? considering re-routing my exhaust to exit the side of the front bumper.
  Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 05:10 PM   #4 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 1,756

spyder2 - '00 Toyota MR2 Spyder
Thanks: 104
Thanked 407 Times in 312 Posts
I'm thinking of doing a spoiler with Bondo Glass (glass fiber reinforced filler, for a little more peace of mind) and insulation foam, some people have done grill blocks with Bondo and insulation foam.
  Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 05:19 PM   #5 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
2000neon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 596

VX - '94 Honda Civic VX
Team Honda
90 day: 47.95 mpg (US)
Thanks: 133
Thanked 89 Times in 66 Posts
I'm in the process of building a fiberglass kamm right now (See my other build thread: My 94 VX). The coroplast did very well as a belly pan. The closest that it got to the exhaust was about 2.5", and it didn't have any sign of melting at all. There were no problems with road debris hitting it either.
__________________

  Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2013, 05:52 PM   #6 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
freebeard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: northwest of normal
Posts: 27,562
Thanks: 7,738
Thanked 8,554 Times in 7,041 Posts
Traditional: hand beaten aluminum

High Tech: vacuum infused carbon fiber

Ecomodder: coroplast political signs

I haven't tried it but I like the idea of coroplast with welding rod inside the channels for rigidity or shaping.

Edit: ...and, welcome.
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to freebeard For This Useful Post:
ron (01-05-2013)
Old 01-05-2013, 07:05 PM   #7 (permalink)
Adventurist!
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 144

CLaero - '97 Acura CL Premium
90 day: 34.59 mpg (US)

CR-v - '03 Honda CR-V EX
Team Honda
90 day: 26.52 mpg (US)
Thanks: 9
Thanked 21 Times in 21 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by AXMAN View Post
considering re-routing my exhaust to exit the side of the front bumper.
That's a sure fire way to get CO poisoning, I'd advise against it.
__________________
'97 Acura CL 2.2L 5spd
'03 Honda CR-V 2.4L EX 4wd Auto
  Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2013, 09:24 PM   #8 (permalink)
Not Ordinary Engineering
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 57
Thanks: 9
Thanked 27 Times in 14 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by nbleak21 View Post
That's a sure fire way to get CO poisoning, I'd advise against it.
Agreed. Though I bet it'd look pretty awesome!

-Ryan

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com