Weight Reduction VS Aero Mods

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by Shortie771

Not to thread jack or anything, but this is how I have been logging my mileage forever. I am just curious about how much gas to put in. I only fill my tank until the pump stops itself and then I close it up, or is it more accurate to top it completely off? I have been thinking about this because I am not sure that all station's pumps stop at the same point.

I go by the auto off. A lot of people use the same pump at the same station. I know by using different pumps/stations, one tank (or all) may be a little off- but when we track thousands of miles, the average is the same if your tank is off a little here or there. The next tank will correct, or the one after that.

Everyone has their own specific way, but my suggestion is just to stay consistant. Pick a way, and keep doing that. Since we do not have labs and an exact science, it's really the best we can do. Make a plan/system and stick with it.

[oil pan 4]

Stick with aero mods, any kind of weight reduction mod beyond deletions will never pay for them selves.

[Xist]

I keep wondering about a grill block here in Arizona. I would install a fan indicator light first, although I do plan on trying it.

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by Xist

I keep wondering about a grill block here in Arizona. I would install a fan indicator light first, although I do plan on trying it.

I am running 100% grille block, and my engine temp gauge never hits the half way point- it's always a hair to the left (cold). In 80-82* weather, for hours driving, it balances between 212-220* on the Scanguage, the UG just adds one degree. I am not sure if the fan is coming on, but I have not had any issues with over heating.

I know Arizona is wicked hot, but thought my experience may help.

[D.O.G.]

Originally Posted by Xist

I am kind of surprised that nobody else is encouraging the MPGuino. If you open the "65+ Efficiency Mods" page, it is the very first suggestion!

Doesn't everyone talk about "Adjusting the nut behind the wheel?"

I know that the MPGuino is very different than my Ultragauge, but I rely on that to tell me when to fill up, not the fuel gauge, since it is far more accurate.

At least with the MPGuino, you can do A-B-A testing and see if there is a difference without filling up, which would not necessarily fill to the same level every time.

If you do rely on topping off to see how much fuel you used, they always say to use the same pump at the same station.

The MPGuino is a great device for a fuel injected vehicle.

Unfortunately coltanandrew's Mazda uses a carby (first post), so has no injector signal for the MPGuino to use.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I am running 100% grille block, and my engine temp gauge never hits the half way point- it's always a hair to the left (cold). In 80-82* weather, for hours driving, it balances between 212-220* on the Scanguage, the UG just adds one degree. I am not sure if the fan is coming on, but I have not had any issues with over heating.

I know Arizona is wicked hot, but thought my experience may help.

Yesterday was 101°F.

Something wicked this way comes.

Someone posted that they had better efficiency with the grill blocked and the fan blowing, but I couldn't live with that.

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by Xist

Yesterday was 101°F.

Something wicked this way comes.

Someone posted that they had better efficiency with the grill blocked and the fan blowing, but I couldn't live with that.

Wow. I couldn't fathom living in that climate. Have you thought about using a mesh? I remember reading it lets air in, but when moving, the air more so flows over the mesh- it seems like kind of an in between.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by UltArc

Wow. I couldn't fathom living in that climate. Have you thought about using a mesh? I remember reading it lets air in, but when moving, the air more so flows over the mesh- it seems like kind of an in between.

Like a partial grill-block?

Thanks for the idea.

[freebeard]

coltonandrew -- I'm curious about the 3/4" conduit frame and plywood box. Will it have any function other than wake filling?

The reason I ask is those materials could make an efficient shape or a vortex-inducing nightmare. There is a lot of opportunity in this, most of people are hamstrung when they can't let go of the un-tapered bed.

Those 4"s you mention should be dealt with. How far along are you with that?

This is what you should emulate:

[NeilBlanchard]

The best example of aero drag vs weight that I know of is the streamliner Honda built by Allert Jacobs:

214 mpg with DIY aerodynamic fairings on a Honda 125cc motorbike

It gained 43% of it's original weight, and yet with the streamliner fairing (and the taller gearing that the lower drag makes possible) more than doubles the FE of the motorcycle.

So, I say that aero drag improvements trump weight savings - by a lot.