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Old 06-18-2009, 11:15 PM   #86 (permalink)
Tango Charlie
Deadly Efficient
 
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Goshen, Indiana
Posts: 1,234

Olivia - '03 Pontiac Vibe base
90 day: 36.01 mpg (US)

R2-D2 - '00 Honda Insight
90 day: 58.81 mpg (US)
Thanks: 134
Thanked 176 Times in 91 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Istas View Post
I still think that from a fluid resistance viewpoint, a single opening as close to a circle as possible would provide the least resistance to flow...
I agree, Istas, as I've always admired LoPresti's aircraft cowlings with the distinctive round inlets. They're much more efficient than the OEM cowling designs. However, I'm not sure if a flat sheet of coroplast with a round hole cut in it really emulates a LoPresti cowl inlet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Istas View Post
Your rims definitely look like they could use a pizza-pan treatment of some sort, especially in the front. And is there any way you can completely remove the roof rack, not just the cross bars?
I haven't applied my brainpower to discs yet. Have patience...

Removing the roof rack on a Vibe is problematic, in that it is integrated into the roof to the point that when removed, it leaves a gaping hole on either side of the rear lift gate. Not an impossible obstacle, it'll just take some concentrated effort to 'git er done'. I'm thinking some hardwood rails carved down into a low profile and screwed down in place of the current rails. Then sealed with some polyurethane and buffed to a high shine so it looks like an America's Cup racer. But that's for another summer...
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