Mazda 626 Aero Mods -12% better MPG @75MPH

[heumi12345]

I want to thank you all...

Your comments and your threads gave me the inspirations about improving my good old Mazda 626 station wagon. Finally i got about 12% better MPG, and this with a few simple modifications.

So here's my feedback to you!

a) the spoiler gave me approx. 6% (Google for novel spoiler greencarcongress)
However i had to modify this spoiler. I had to remove the sharp edge on the rear. (Security for colliding bikers) I don't want to miss this part any more! It is great for fast driving on highway.

b) closing the gap between bumper and chassis with aluminium foil. This could be felt at driving. It is a quite big effect.

c) shielding the rear axle, shielding a gap in the underbody, and improving the exhausts aero properties. Small effects.

So i got 37 MPG @ 75 MPH

[animated_zombie]

I love that spoiler! Now I have something else to make for my Camry Wagon. I followed your link (and while there is some great information there) I'm not finding any information on how you made yours. Did you buy something and modify it, or is it one off custom? Thanks!

[cfg83]

heumi12345 -

Oh yeah, I've seen that article before :

Green Car Congress: Novel Spoiler Design Reduces Fuel Consumption for Minivans, SUVs

I agree with animated_zombie, how did you make/modify/buy it? In terms of mounting, it *appears* that you have an attachment at the lower end/side :



I think you should post this thread on the "comments" section of the Green Car Congress article.

CarloSW2

[heumi12345]

Originally Posted by cfg83

heumi12345 -


I agree with animated_zombie, how did you make/modify/buy it? In terms of mounting, it *appears* that you have an attachment at the lower end/side :

CarloSW2

... the spoiler is a home-brew make.
Basically it is a core cut out of polyurethane foam, coated with epoxy resin and glass fibre. The core is bent according the roof one inch from center to the sides. This part was mounted with the custom pieces made of epoxy-carbon to the rear door.
Next step was to evaluate the right angle of attack.
Finally i attached the "triangles" from both sides (PU foam, sanded and coated).

The bright strip is simply foam to avoid hard contact whenever one bashes the rear door closed.

(once a police officer fined me, since the sharp edges in my first version were dangerous. And... and... and...) Then i had to rework it, and i messed up the surface... so now, it looks quite ugly.

[puddleglum]

Are the pictures from before or after the rework. it looks very nice to me. Did you buy the article that was advertised on green congress and did it include plans, or did you just guess at the proper angles?