Quote:
Originally Posted by ECONORAM
I have been slowly working on this almost since I bought my truck. I dug up several websites about pickup truck aerodynamics and improvements. Here are a few:
A Truck That Drinks Less Than a Car? | Popular Science
http://gcep.stanford.edu/pdfs/ChEHeX...0_11_trans.pdf
Improving Aerodynamics to Boost Fuel Economy
RoadandTrack.com -- Tech Tidbits - Tech Tidbits — September 2004 (9/2004)
I also took a close look at a RAM SRT10 about 2 years ago. Some of the interesting things are the front air dam/bumper cover/splitter, the full tonneau cover w/integrated spoiler (said to improve airflow), lowered 2 inches to cut aero drag, and I noticed the air conditioner condensor and the radiator are inline, not side by side like other RAMs. There is about a six inch space on the driver's side of the radiator that is covered with a piece of black plastic, to cut drag through the grille.
I looked at my wife's 08 Avenger and discovered it has a full belly panel under the engine bay. I have been working toward several of these mods since I got back from Iraq. I will see if I can add the pix to my gallery or garage...
My truck will get over 23 mpg on the highway at 65mph now. I am aiming for 30...
[edit] I also need to ask if there is a how to for measuring Cd via coast down? |
I'll let others help you with the coastdown stuff but wanted to share another back door to Cd.
For 55 mph and 70 mph,a 10% drag reduction will net you a 5% and 6% mpg increase respectively.
So if you'd done a mod,and after comparing mpg to your baseline you showed a 5% improvement at a steady 55-mph,then you would have reduced your Cd by 10%.
This is a very easy way to determine your numbers.If you have the OBD-II Scan-Gauge or other instantaneous mpg display technology,you can get your results without having to burn a bunch of fuel.