Nissan Versa Base 1.6

[skyl4rk]

I took it out for a run today with both of the valence vents open. I did some steady speed / mpg tests.

MPH MPG
50 43.9
50 44.6
60 38.9
60 38.6
70 35.2
80 29.8

Max coolant temp 200F with ambient temp of 43F, calm winds.

I think the two vents open is a good vent area. At 80mph, it is slightly hotter than the normal steady 195F that I saw before the grill and valence blocks and still well under the max 210F I am willing to accept. I will be watching on hotter days.

Compare my pre-block data:
Basic performance measurements in 5th gear, stock car, 7 mile run, no stops, low wind, small hills:
40 mph, 2000 rpm, 49.0 mpg.
50 mph, 2500 rpm, 41.5 mpg.
60 mph, 3000 rpm, 37.0 mpg.
70 mph, 3500 rpm, 31.5 mpg.

The results seem to indicate an improvement. However, my measurement technique may not be the greatest. Also, I have not run a full tank through and trued up the ScanGauge fillup yet.

While I don't believe this is statistically valid and the scientific method is doubtful, here are the percentages anyway:
50mph - 6.6%
60mph - 4.7%
70mph - 10.5%

[skyl4rk]

I really like the way this car looks!

[skyl4rk]

just wanted to add that the temps were stable, not bouncing around, so this may indicate that the fan is not turning on.

[cfg83]

skyl4rk -

Originally Posted by skyl4rk

I really like the way this car looks!

Me too! I'm sorry I didn't look at this thread earlier. The horizontal lines behind the holes gives the effect that the holes have "active" blinds.

I agree that if the temps are stable, then you are probably fine.

I think you can figure out when your fan comes on just by idling in the parking lot. When you hear the fan, note the coolant temp. Also note the temp when the fan goes off. This way you will be able to recognize any high to low coolant temp transitions on the freeway.

CarloSW2

[skyl4rk]

Here is the latest version, opened up the valence a bit and added foglight covers.

Running cool so far (185F to 190F typical) but the weather has been cold. However it appears to run cooler than it used to run with no grill blocks, at 195F.

If I stay under 45mph, I can run mid 40's mpg no problem, with moderate hypermiling (no EOC). With EOC, low 50's are achievable.

(this is with the scangauge trued up after two fillups)

[skyl4rk]

Can you see why I chose "Coroplast white" for the car color? No painting.

[evolutionmovement]

Damn, that looks really good! Nissan should offer a similar kit themselves, or at least the upper grille block.

[MetroMPG]

I agree. Shoulda nominated this one for the Mod o' the Month contest. Sharp.

EDIT: well, technically it can be nominated for April's contest.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

Your current lower grill opening is almost exactly the same size as mine. Today, the air temps got up into the mid 60's and sitting in traffic, the fan came on briefly (the temp got up to 204F) but it cooled very quickly after I got moving again.

[Matt Herring]

Wow bro...blocks look stock...nice work!