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Old 10-03-2012, 06:04 PM   #31 (permalink)
dtbaker61
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: santa fe, nm
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zappy - '97 suzuki swift
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ev99saturn View Post
I'm looking for suggestions on how to improve it but without changing the appearance of the vehicle, or going with skinny tires.
you don't have to change a thing, you can trade me straight across for my electric Swift, and your efficiency will soar!


....seriously, since you've checked alignment and brake drag, and built w/o transmission you can't do much about inefficiency off the line with low rpm.

- make custom grill block. leave a duct thru controller cooler, and another straight shot to the motor intake (with filter).

- make a belly pan at least from grill valance back to torsion bar. Protect motor from grit and water and smooth out airflow.

- try getting your hands on a hardtop, or test with a cheap fabric bikini top.

- really consider narrower tires. Like old '60s vette look. at least unless showing or racing.

also keep in mind that consumption 'at the wall' measured with kill-a-watt meter will include all losses in charger during charging. I know that over 1000 miles my Swift consumes avg of 300 wattHr/mile, but the on-board cycle analyst shows battery use to be right around 225 wattHr/mile... and I KNOW I have some brake drag or bad front wheel bearings going on I havent addressed yet.

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Dan
http://www.envirokarma.org
- home eSwift, eMiata, and MMach-e -
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