2004 Focus ZX3 Commuter

[spacemanspif]

Originally Posted by MisterMundane

Also what would be a good material for an belly pan? Just some type of plastic sheeting? Aluminum? Place I work we have thin aluminum plates that get recycled after use, would that be a good plan?

Free is in the budget

Many here use coroplast as it's light weight, durable and kinda spring-y. But if you can get aluminum sheets of good size; use them. Make some door panels too to finish out the race car vibe.

[MisterMundane]

I'm just gonna leave the interior like it is haha. I kinda like it.

Yeah the thin aluminum is about 28 1/2" x 40 1/2" in size. So their a good size. May be noisier than a plastic though, will have to try it and see!

[BabyDiesel]

Originally Posted by MisterMundane

Added my vehicle to the garage, and have started to log mpg. I have been logging since day one on fuelly, and havebstarted then log here going back to before I started the eco-modding and driving. So the baseline is stock with a heavy foot.

Added to my signature as well.

Now, as for grill blocking, I'm assuming cardboard will be fine temporarily, but what's a good lightweight material to use more permanently? Also what would be a good material for an belly pan? Just some type of plastic sheeting? Aluminum? Place I work we have thin aluminum plates that get recycled after use, would that be a good plan?

What a bunch of us use is choroplast, or corrugated plastic. It is the material that politicians put there names and slogan on to advertise themselves. After elections, this can be gotten for free. It cuts well, paints well and is durable. If it gets around the exhaust, it will just melt... Not sure on its flash point. I haven't heard of anyones CP catching,on fire... But I haven't been around here long LOL

This reply makes my 100th post thank you!

^^^Ahh, Spif beat me to it! What he said!

Grill block looks good! I wouldn't go full coverage till your UG comes in, though.

[MisterMundane]

Ah ok thats what chloroplast is. Now I know what to look for.

I may also try garden edging air dam, may help, may not. Its not expensive.

[BabyDiesel]

Originally Posted by MisterMundane

Ah ok thats what chloroplast is. Now I know what to look for.

I may also try garden edging air dam, may help, may not. Its not expensive.

I'm using the garden edging. It has been on for 8 months and looks really good still, except for the bugs and dirt!

You'll need something rigid to support the center. I have evidence of it buckling in and my top speed is 65. A little bit of aluminum there and you'll be set!

[MisterMundane]

I may hold off on it until I get my coilover suspension on. Might drop me enough to make edging unnecessary.

Be interesting to see what the grill block off gets me. Should be a nice bump, as its still fairly cool here. Hovering right around 30 F.

[BabyDiesel]

Edging is hardly ever unnecessary!

I'm taking mine off in the next few weeks. I'll be building a nose similar to Basjoos's.

You should be fine at those temperatures. If you feel like your water temperature is too high, you can cut a small section out of the top of your grill block to keep temps in check.

[MisterMundane]

Yeah I'm sure currently it will be a non issue. But maybe once it gets warmer it may. But I'll have my ultragauge by then and will be able to tell better.

I have a feeling this tank will be 33-34 mpg. If that's the case, I'm already almost at my goal. Time to set new goals I think.

[Focus-Ak]

Originally Posted by MisterMundane

... Not pretty, but it will work for now to gauge how it effects temp. May have to uncover a bit. ...

I advise only a minimal block for now. What many people don't realize is that the dashboard temperature gauge isn't accurate at all. The needle will be vertical over a wide range of coolant temperatures. That is, it is just a glorified idiot light. It would be best to wait for your UG so you can have an accurate temperature readout.

BTW, you can setup the UG to show 4, 6 or 8 gauges. I use these 8:

RPM .................. and ......... instant MPG
% Load .... ......... and ........ short trip MPG
Vacuum ............. and ......... average MPG (tank)
Coolant Temp ..... and ......... gal/hour

[MisterMundane]

Yep. I realize its it a dummy gauge. But it should be fine. In these temps it reads a little to the left of middle anyways. I'll be fine in these temps. Most folks run with them blocked all winter up here.