Other mods (Will this list of aero mods get me 5% more MPG?)

[spydyr]

I've read the 65+ list and found a few mods that would apply and benefit my car

So if say I went through and did the following

1. Passenger Mirror Deletion
2. Antenna Deletion
3. Mudflap deletion
4. Grill/Bumper block
5. Air dam
6. Wheel Skirts
7. Moon Discs

I'm litterally starting from scratch with stock body, and a whip antena, and factory rims with no rimcover. So all improvements would be better than nothing.

Do you think with those alone I could expect atleast 5% increase.


I was also wondering what your opinions were on air turblators on a sedan. Also if anybody knows anything about benefits of Windshield wiper cowls, I didnt see anything about them on the list.

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by spydyr

Do you think with those alone I could expect atleast 5% increase.

I think you might even get more than 5%, but this depends on the vehicle. The real gains are less direct, though. With better aerodynamics your coast will be longer, so P&G (or EOC) will give even greater savings.

BTW Did you miss higher tire pressure on your list?

[luvit]

get a vac gauge.
ebay $cheap, retail, $45

[spydyr]

Pressures in use already. The rims, though, are aero nightmares. Bare bolts stuck out like cannons, and plenty of holes for air to get stuck in. I just wonder if MoonDiscs/race flats, would cause my brakes to overheat.

As for seam sealing, does anybody have an idea that would work as well as tape, and that wouldnt lose its stickyness when it rains?

Bad news for me, a wiper cowl would block the va inspection sticker ... maybe some low profile blades instead.

[Daox]

Originally Posted by spydyr

I just wonder if MoonDiscs/race flats, would cause my brakes to overheat.

Only if you are on a race track or going down a mountain.

[Piwoslaw]

Remember that ecodrivers try to not use their brakes. Instead, timing lights, coasting and engine braking help to greatly reduce your use of brakes. To the point of their degradation:
Hypermiling ruined my brakes!

[MetroMPG]

I'd say a 5% gain is a reasonable expectation from those mods at highway speeds.

Regarding VG's, I'm not aware of anyone who has documented an improvement with them. EG: see Tested: vortex generators (AirTabs) on a Toyota Corolla

I'd save your hard earned money for other mods.

[thatguitarguy]

You haven't talked about where you are starting from, what your daily drive is like, or your driving habits.

The Cavalier has the look of a next generation Metro, I don't know if that's the case. The 2.2 might be bigger than that car needs. My niece has the Pontiac Sunfire with what appears to be the same 2.2 and she gets really good mileage in that car.

Depending on your current driving habits, you might gain much more than 5% by just modifying the way you drive i.e., "adjusting the nut behind the wheel".

I bought my minivan 3 1/2 months ago from a guy who said his average mileage was about 17, which was just under the EPA combined estimate of 18. When I started driving it and really paying attention to the feedback of the current eco mode on the trip computer, my mileage shot way up, and has been creeping up from there slowly but surely to the point that I'm always disappointed when it dips below 25 mpg, which is above the EPA high highway rating of 24.

The only aero mod in place right now is the grill block, and though I don't know how much effect that has overall, I'm sure it's not nearly as much as having altered my driving habits.

[aerohead]

the 4th sticky down from the top of the page has many mods and the difference they have demonstrated.

[Red Lion]

Originally Posted by Daox

Only if you are on a race track or going down a mountain.

Agreed. It takes a lot of HARD braking (comparable to the kind people do in panic stops) to make most brakes fade to the point of non-usability, and it takes this happening in quick repetitions. In other words, you should be okay for daily driving and even stop-and-go traffic, especially if, like most hyper-milers, you stay off the brakes.