[spacemanspif]

Hey all,

I thought I'd start a kind of build thread for my car. For a little background I am starting out with a 1995 Saturn SL2 with 237,000 miles and an MP2 swap. MP2 swap is a taller geared trans from the Sx1 cars. I measure economy on a tank to tank basis and have been getting 37-38 mpg thus far which is an improvement over the 33-35mpg it got with the original trans. Car is a 5spd manual with manual locks and windows, power steering and A/C (rarely use). I know it goes against convention on most cars, but my car does worse on the highway with the A/C on than with the front windows rolled down. Right now I also have a 3rd gen. Firebird Formula spoiler on the deck lid that adds considerable weight (15lbs?) that I plan to take off soon. I also need to get the under engine pan and associated air dam that I just found out the car has been missing since before I bought it. I commute ~25 miles to work everyday, ~23 are highway. Delaware is pretty flat other than multiple overpasses, and I rarely hit traffic, just set my cruise to 65 and go.

I have some mods I am considering and want a little feedback on them if you all don't mind.

Bumper swap: the SL2 bumper is a bit different from the SL1 one. I'm wondering what you all think of the differences and if its worth it to get the SL1 lower bumper? I can post pics for help on my next post, just at 4 right now and need 5 (this one)

Rear wheel skirts: Thinking about building some of these. Are wheel covers usually used in conjunction with these or are they unnecessary within the skirt? I am running stock, 15" steelies and am wishing I still had my horrible, 6 spoke with fake rotor wheel covers that came stock on the car because they were good aero wheel covers with no mods.

Pro-stock/Bonneville spoiler: Thinking about making 1 of these. I found a dead thread from member "captain chaos" titled "Satun SL airflow study" (again, can't post links) with a small simulation, I'm wondering why its dead? Bad science? No one cares? He recommends a 6" spoiler which is easy enough to make, just wondering if its a total waste of time...

Belly pan: Considering a rear belly pan, I don't like the idea of having to remove a bunch of junk to service the car so a full pan is probably out of the question. Not much out back other than a parachute so I think that area could probably use it the most.

'Template': can someone overlay the 'template' on 1st gen SL? I haven't found a thread with a 1st gen Saturn 4 door with the 'template' overlay yet and I suck with photoshop/paint tools.

Roof mods: I think I might tuft test it, but judging by rain and snow on the rear window, I am pretty sure the entire center of the rear window is a dead space. Not sure I'm willing to build a kammback, but might I benefit from vortex generators or a mini kamm maybe? The problem with 1st gen Saturns is the wrap around glass so no metal to mount anything in front of the rear window...



I'm sorry for the huge post. I want to move in a good direction and not just spin my wheels with failed/misinformed plans. Ideally I'd like to keep all functionality of the car and get super good mileage. I'm sure the trans swap will have the biggest effect on the MPG than any 1 aero mod, but if I can get another 5mpg out of a few, cheap, easy mods I'll be a happy camper.



Before you ask, Yes, I have already read all 18 pages of "SC1 aero mods"...Not really a fan of boat-tails.