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Old 09-27-2018, 03:55 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
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90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

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Smile 5-minute DIY: cockpit-adjustable variable grille block (1-way)

Step 1...



Coroplast blocking plate over existing custom-sized grille opening. Note actuator linkage leading to cockpit.




Step 2...



Monitor coolant temperature while under way. At desired temperature, manipulate actuator.


Step 3...




Step 4 ...



(simulation)


Step 5...




Et voila!


====


Notes:

1) Best suited to convertible or sunroof-equipped vehicles.

2) The first time I pulled the rip cord, I was going about 50 km/h (30 mph). Too fast! It flew over the cockpit and almost snapped the actuator linkage! Next time I tried around 15 km/h. Still too fast!

3) You don't want to be too concerned about the finish on the aft end of your vehicle -- the grille block will bounce & flap around back there before you get it reeled in.

Despite the silliness, it works. Speeds warm-up time, and improves aero. It was used on the last part of my recent record tank:

53 MPG tank in 1990 Mazda Miata: personal best (4.5 L/100 km)

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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



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Old 09-27-2018, 08:38 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Hook the actuator linkage to the wipers for total, semi-automatic regulation.
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Old 09-27-2018, 10:48 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
Hook it to the what?

Those are only on if it's going to rain. :P
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



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Old 09-28-2018, 10:52 AM   #4 (permalink)
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That's cool. Good reminder that a complicated two-way system as envisioned by a lot of tinkerers isn't really necessary. I should do something like this in my Outback.
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Best tank (so far): 32 MPG

Last edited by ThermionicScott; 09-28-2018 at 11:00 AM..
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Old 09-28-2018, 11:41 AM   #5 (permalink)
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You got me thinking now
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Old 09-28-2018, 12:35 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
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Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

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90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
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You could fine-tune/complicate this idea with a series of smaller blocks and linkages!


I used it again today. This fuel hog needs all the help it can get!
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



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Old 09-28-2018, 01:40 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Redneck factor is a tad too high

Why not make the coroplast a bit bigger, cut a narrow vertical slot in it on either side, and use properly positioned big headed screws to keep the coroplast on the bumper .
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Old 09-28-2018, 01:46 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
But then it's a 20-minute DIY!



TOO MUCH!
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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Old 09-28-2018, 03:48 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Why don't you put a stud in the air dam then hook light spring to it and the flap, then you can pull the string and tie it off on a cleat?
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Old 09-28-2018, 08:35 PM   #10 (permalink)
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What a great idea...

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