Scion xA aero mods

[dmerle]

Nice Chronicle segments!! Can you explain the key off/key on technique?
-Deb S.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi Deb,

With a manual shift transmission, that's how I do engine off coasting. So, I turn off the engine, wait a second or so, and then turn on the car *without* restarting so I just bump-start it when I need to. With an automatic, it would be different: put the car into neutral, shut it off, and then coast, then use the key to restart then engine.

Be aware that you will lose the power steering somewhat, and the power brakes only work for one application during the coast, unless you restart the engine.

In general, with an automatic I would just coast in neutral, and only shut off the car at long stoplights.

[dmerle]

and by "bump-start" do you mean putting the car into gear and "popping the clutch?"

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi Deb,

Yes, I usually use 5th gear, as when you are using power from the wheels to the engine, 5th gives you the most torque. I use the clutch as gently as possible, so "popping" is not quite the term I would use.

Bump starting is a little more efficient than using the starter, since the battery has to then be recharged using the alternator, so there is a bit more energy loss doing it this way.

[Sven7]

All you're liable to wreck on a manual is the clutch, but EOC with an automatic could ruin your entire transmission if it's not getting proper lubrication. Check your owner's manual or other OEM resource before you try it.

[NeilBlanchard]

Right, I've got ~132K miles on the original clutch, and it is holding out okay, though it is not all that robust.

I think coasting in neutral is about 80% as good as EOC, especially on an automatic.

Aero mods help you even more if you can learn to coast farther.

[JethroBodine]

Hey Neil- Just watched the Chronicle segments. Very nice.

[orbywan]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Does anybody know of a way to "fix" the power on issue on the monitors, so they just turn on when the ignition is turned on?

Your monitors should have a 'reverse-on' or 'backup' trigger wire in the harness. If you hook that reverse-on wire to the same ignition-on power wire, your systems will turn on when you turn your key on.

Just for reference, the smaller the lens on your side cameras the better, up to 6mm. The side cameras on my Saturn are 50 degree field of view (6mm) and they are excellent. 6mm is ideal. Brings images way up close so you cxan see what the heck you're trying to see. Any closer than that will result in blind spots and tunnel vision.

[NeilBlanchard]

Thanks for that -- I'll try to take a look for the backup trigger wire. These monitors have a modular plug and so it might be an additional pin (or jumper?) that could power it?

The biggest challenge is that the Velcro I have holding my ScanGauge in place, slips when the car gets hot, which makes turning on the second monitor more difficult...

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The biggest challenge is that the Velcro I have holding my ScanGauge in place, slips when the car gets hot, which makes turning on the second monitor more difficult...

Where do you have yer SG mounted? Got any piccies of how you have it set up?

I have found out over time that heat and gravity will always pull the adhesive from the Velcro. I've used a nylon wall plate to support my SG before I went with my UG. I made a custom mount fer my UG, too.