97 Mazda MPV going for 30! - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MadisonMPG · 03-31-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winkosmosis

Why did you remove your fan? Give one good reason for not having it in there. And it better be good to offset the huge disadvantages and risks.

Remember, there's nothing environmentally friendly about killing your van, or causing extra wear to various parts from additional heat.

Reason for not having it? The risk is much smaller than you would expect. Did a test with friends scan gauge, idle for 5 minutes, water temp 202. Lets put the fact that I took the fan off aside, and answer some more of my aero questions.

Drive Stick · 03-31-2009, 08:34 PM

I'd tape over the fog lights while you are at it, slick smooth the entire lower valance - headlights will be sufficient for light at night

Also, with your short trips and the engine probably never reaching operating temperate by the time you even reach your destination increasing mpg via aero mods may not has as much of an impact as you are hoping for.

Also on a 2.5 mile drive I suspect there aren't many chances for you to coast? I got my biggest gains from coasting. If I get my old job back its only 2 miles from me, I know my mileage will die hard once I am only driving 4 miles a day instead of 40. (the starting and stopping factor kills it)

stealcanada · 03-31-2009, 09:36 PM

you could bike instead of driving the two miles...

i'm not trying to be confrontational

MadisonMPG · 03-31-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealcanada

you could bike instead of driving the two miles...

i'm not trying to be confrontational

Have you been to high school?

PaleMelanesian · 03-31-2009, 10:01 PM

Some kind of belly pan to cover this. You already mentioned it, but it's a good one. That's a big gap that's adding a lot of drag.

MadisonMPG · 03-31-2009, 10:22 PM

I'm actually fabbing up one now.

I've come to the realization that this car will not get good gas mileage, so I will be putting the fan back on, and leaving the ductape for a while. It oddly makes the car handle better/lose less speed on the highway.

PaleMelanesian · 04-01-2009, 10:09 AM

Do you have a scangauge? You should get one. Without any instrumentation, you're just flailing in the dark. It'll make more difference than most of these mods, just showing you where the biggest losses are.

Drive Stick · 04-01-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

this car will not get good gas mileage

It can, and will but not driving 2.5 miles to school and back. You really need 15 / 20 mile commutes in order to benefit from gas saving. I mean I'm sure the vehicle is used for going other places as well right? So The mods will help, just not as much on the way to school.

MadisonMPG · 04-01-2009, 06:09 PM

It will be my "fuel efficient truck".

1337 · 04-01-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

Have you been to high school?

Yes, and I used to bike 7 miles on country roads to high school. I would wear workout clothes and shower in the locker room in the morning. It was a great way to start the day.

Also, I think showing up to high school on a sweet fixed-gear bike is _way_ cooler than showing up in a MINIVAN!