Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Prius Improvements? (considering aerodynamic modifications to 2005 Prius)

aardvarcus · 10-27-2014, 07:55 AM

Be very careful with a grill block on a Prius, remember you have lots of heat-sensitive electronics under the engine bay. It is a little different animal than a typical internal combustion engine. I would add some sort of gauge (scangauge, ultragauge, etc.) to the list, it will be more accurate than the instant readout on the dash, and will also let you monitor other important things like exact temperature. Also, your aerodynamic streamlining template overlays should line up with the peak of the template right at the peak of your roof camber, they don't really mean anything in any other position.

----Edit:
I did a quick and dirty AST-2 overlay for you on a found picture of a 2005 Prius, you can see the back half of the Prius is basically ideal. Note this isn't a true distance side photo, you can see I am trying to adjust for the two different heights of the tires at the bottom, but it gets the point across. Basically from your roof peak down to the back edge of the hatch is all but perfect.

10-27-2014, 07:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
aardvarcus Master EcoModder Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Evensville, TN Posts: 676 Deep Blue - '94 GMC Suburban K2500 SLE 90 day: 23.75 mpg (US) Griffin (T4R) - '99 Toyota 4Runner SR5 90 day: 25.43 mpg (US) Thanks: 237 Thanked 580 Times in 322 Posts	Be very careful with a grill block on a Prius, remember you have lots of heat-sensitive electronics under the engine bay. It is a little different animal than a typical internal combustion engine. I would add some sort of gauge (scangauge, ultragauge, etc.) to the list, it will be more accurate than the instant readout on the dash, and will also let you monitor other important things like exact temperature. Also, your aerodynamic streamlining template overlays should line up with the peak of the template right at the peak of your roof camber, they don't really mean anything in any other position. ----Edit: I did a quick and dirty AST-2 overlay for you on a found picture of a 2005 Prius, you can see the back half of the Prius is basically ideal. Note this isn't a true distance side photo, you can see I am trying to adjust for the two different heights of the tires at the bottom, but it gets the point across. Basically from your roof peak down to the back edge of the hatch is all but perfect. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by aardvarcus; 10-27-2014 at 08:07 AM..