Thanks for the detailed response Piwoslaw
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw
Grille block. If you are debating how much to cover, then make it openable. Behind the grille the airflow is channeled to the radiator and to the intercooler - each can be independently closed off. As you won't have too many cold starts when it's -20C, then no need for you to block the IC at all.
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As far as I can tell (memory from a glance a few days ago), the IC covers all of the grill openings, the grill at the top is even partially 'closed' (there is solid plastic behind the 'mesh' angled towards the IC).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw
Prewarming the engine with a 550W coolant heater and a 125W heating pad under the oil pan does wonders if you can organize a place to plug in. I've added insulation to the bonnet, oilpan and intake ducts (turbodiesel engines should be hot, but with cold air intake, both for power and economy). This makes the prewarming more effective, but also keeps the engine from cooling too much when parked for 1-3 hours while running errands.
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I live in a flat, so I don't think I will be able to pre-warm. The bonnet already has some (presumably factory fitted) insulation... maybe some more should help. The air intake seems pretty effective already (air is 8-9 deg C above ambient). Perhaps I should look into an undertray with insulation...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw
An engine kill button will let you EOC without reseting the onboard computer. In my case, it keeps the power steering active and (more importantly for Mrs P) does not reset the radio/CD player  |
I -think- my car has electric power steering rather than hydraulic. I will have to look at how much wiring is involved (and how much benefit there is vs. engine on coasting).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw
The Clio's rear is not Kammback-friendly, but bumping the tyre pressure (try max sidewall minus 10% for starters) equals free MPGs  |
Kammback is beyond what I would want anyway (to be honest, I will probably be more focussed on technique than anything). I am still not sure about bumping the tyre pressures regarding grip/road holding and wear (keeping it even).
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Originally Posted by Piwoslaw
I'm lucky to have a wife who also drives the speed limit and cares about saving fuel*  And even though she does not engine brake as often, nor does she EOC at all, she can still get figures very close to mine 
*) Does not apply to all Significant Others |
My SO does not drive aggressively, but does not have the most eco mindset either.
A common week for us going forward will be me using the car 2 or 3 days, making two 35-40 mile trips (90% motorway) separated by a few hours, and her using the car on the other 2 or 3 working days, making two 5 mile stop-start trips separated by a full day.