2005 Acura TSX 6 Manual Aero Mods

[Asanelli]

Noobie here first time post....

I have been lurking on here for about 5 years, just never a real username and post.

I recently just achieved 30.8 MPG Average last week. This now has me hopefully yo achieve 35 with some lite mods.

My list is a follows...

1) DELETE, Outside Side Rear View Mirrors
2) ADD, Convex Inside Side Rear View Mirrors
3) ADD, Convex Clip-On Rear View Mirror
4) ADD, 2006-2009 Civic Hybrid Wheels or Enkei RPF1 15LBS EACH.
5) LOWER 1"-2" to decrease wheel gaps.
6) Possibly block off front bumper and grill.

Side Question: I am aware that lightweight components are good for auto racing and acceleration. However is it better to have stream-lined wheel or lightweight wheels for better economy??

I am considering either lightweight wheels or stream-lined wheels, but i am wondering what is better economy purposes?? Please note modification #4...

[Asanelli]

bump

[LeanBurn]

What mods have you already done?

The whole idea behind EM is to install or apply items/techniques that cost little money so that your return on investment is high. Racing mods/parts are usually quite pricey as they appeal to a crowd that is racing and are willing to fork over $$ to eek out that last bit of performance.

Only you can decide from your driving route and conditions whether you will benefit from lighter wheels (in city) or covered ones (hiway travel).

[serialk11r]

You can't buy aftermarket streamlined wheels because wheels are usually not designed with aerodynamics in mind. You put covers on wheels to reduce their drag, and you buy lightweight wheels to make them lighter.

[mazdamx640]

The best mods to start with are an ultragauge or scan gauge that can often be the most beneficial mod you can do. Then upping tire to the max sidewall pressure for lower rolling resistance and a grill block for better aerodynamics and quicker warm up times

[UltArc]

I disagree that the point of EM is to cost efficiently Eco Mod our cars- some of us (me lol) have gotten way in over our head on what we planned to spend and did spend...

BUT, if you want to get the most out of the vehicle, get the lightest wheel, then make it smooth. It is easier to take a light wheel and add a skirt or pizza pan, than take an aero wheel and cut weight.

(I don't just waste money on EMing, and cost is really considered, but I do this to maximize FE- I'm not rebuilding my car from carbon fiber, but I am also not sacrificing too much in looks for performance (that only applies to one car).)

[aardvarcus]

How much do the Civic Hybrid wheels weigh? On a previous vehicle I used Prius 15" wheels, they were both very lightweight (14lbs?) and had fairly smooth covers which I considered the best of both worlds. Plus they looked very stock-ish.

One thing to ensure is that the wheels not only are similar in lug pattern but also offset (how far in or out the hub face is from the center of the wheel) and seat type (is the wheel centered on the hub or on the lug nuts). This will prevent you from having any bearing or balancing issues respectively.

[aerohead]

If you're looking at 35 mpg HWY,the mass reduction from the wheels won't show at the gas pump.
To get to 35,from 30.8 would require about a 27% drag reduction,or,from Cd 0.27,to Cd 0.197.
HONDA has already worked on the grille a bit.Allowing a 6% reduction would give delta 0.0162.
Pulling the passenger side mirror ,maybe delta 0.0135.
Together,you'd be looking at Cd 0.2403.
Dropping the car 2" according to some,will cut some frontal area,but not really alter the Cd significantly.If we allowed delta 0.01,we'd come in at Cd 0.23,still 0.04 short of 0.19.
I feel like you'd have to go 'deeper' on the aero to get to 35 mpg.

[UltArc]

Hope he comes back...

How dirty is the underside? A belly pan should help, and if you're willing, boat tailing will make a HUGE impact. Even a box cavity should help, if done properly.

[Asanelli]

Originally Posted by LeanBurn

What mods have you already done?

I took off my roof rack