[M_a_t_t]

Originally Posted by aerohead

* Frontal Projected Area, ( Af ) not published...

* EPA Test Weight = 2,763- pounds

* Engine accessories = 2.2% energy loss

I don't know the source, but the ecomodder wiki lists the 3rd generation (97-02) ford escort as 19.8 sq ft. The unibody is shared with the 2nd generation car (91-96) so I assume it must be close to an accurate number for this tracer.

https://ecomodder.com/wiki/Vehicle_C...t_of_Drag_List

I have had the car weighed at the scrap yard and an "as driven" number for the car is currently 2,509 lbs. If I take the loose stuff out (spare wheel, tools, etc) I can quickly drop it close to 2400.

I have deleted everything but the alternator from the accessories and the water pump is timing belt driven.

Thanks for the comparison.

I was also thinking about lowering the car some, which might help with the L/H ratio. But to not lengthen it at all I would have to lower it by ~2.6 inches. I think that is lower than the bolt on kits allow for the car.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Interesting idea. Maybe you could take a look on some bicycle racks which feature their own lights and carry another registration plate of the vehicle. Let's suppose you could make something like a removable mini bumper and attach it to the boat tail.

I was originally thinking something similar to Vman's tail. I haven't re-read it, but I think because his prius is a hatchback he had to have a pretty large gap, making it not very effective. I had a few napkin drawing ideas that I could try since mine is a trunk though. I also was thinking depending on the trailer maybe I could mount the boat tail to the back of it when it isn't on the car. Possibly helping the towed mileage still.