Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladogaboy
Holy heck if that thing isn't screaming for a grill block.
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That is at least quite easy to apply, using clear plastic sheet and black zip ties. Note how radiator is only at one side, so it is not much of issue to block at least half. Actually making whole new grille is not big issue as it is very easy to remove, like every bit with this car very easy to work with. Even underside of car there is left room for tools, it is bit like if it was designed to be user serviceable, that is rare
Because of transmission car uses quite high rpms constantly, it does make of course bit more of heat and increases fuel consumption too. Maximum torque comes at 3900rpm from my memory and when there is increased load because of hill or acceleration that is where transmission tries to keep rpm and then adjust ratios to maximum where rpm can be held up.
I have not yet figured out what kind of driving technique might provide best results, but perhaps brisk acceleration to desired speed and then easing off so that transmission can catch up and rpms are lower sooner. It is same rpms used if acceleration is gentle or brisk, difference is only in time how long it takes to achieve desired speed and of course with larger throttle opening more air goes trough and that picks up more fuel too with every second.
Drive is by two rubber belts actually.
At least that electric cord hanging from front lip must go, it is for block heater, but there is perhaps quite a lot better places for that than hanging like such.
Here is underside of car, from back to front, quite bit of rust, but my plan is remove all rust and give it good paint and underseal, however as you have probably noticed it is bit too snowy for that at the moment. Rear axle is bit of an angle there as I managed to put different amount of stands under wheels, so in reality things look to be bit more straight under there, except that silencer:
I don't know if there are much of possibilities for underside as I set so much limitations, no new holes, also mods should be invisible for most part at least.
Also there is airflow path trough tramission, vents at front bumper are for that and those plastic shields are designed to guide airflow to correct places.
Probably most that will come to underside is under engine bay shield, which car has had when new, but which is of course lost at some point. Rear axle area is a mess, but there is not much to do about it, I guess.
Mudflaps will stay
Most saving must then come from driving I guess, or maybe I can get another box controller and tweak a bit of how transmission gears up, that might do something.
I did put larger tires to rear already so that is something, bit over inch difference in tire diameter