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Old 10-04-2012, 12:16 PM   #9 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,530

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 62.14 mpg (US)
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Hi - I can picture what you're talking about:



The challenge of adding material to reduce drag is you potentially increase frontal area (A). Since total drag is the product of Cd * A, the added material would have to decrease the drag coefficient enough that the net result of Cd * A is a smaller number.

Another modification approach to encourage a cleaner flow transition from the wheel well & wheel onto the quarter panel of a "conventional" design: cut a pool noodle (or equivalent) along its length to get a 1/2 round shape, and attach it to the aft part of the wheel arch. Voila - instant generous radius/transition which the air should like better.

I hope you'll post about your Malibu MAXX. Now there's a vehicle well suited to a Kammback addition!
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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