Acura TSX (Euro Honda Accord) Engine Kill Switch

[Cobb]

I wish, I removed my windshield washer reserve and both pumps to save weight.

Originally Posted by Xist

Cobb, was that how you responded to tailgaters?

[Xist]

Originally Posted by Cobb

I wish, I removed my windshield washer reserve and both pumps to save weight.

How much faster is your car now?

Wouldn't your windshield washer, if it shoots over your windshield, propel your car?

[Cobb]

Its less to worry over, vs something Id see in real world driving. It maybe not detectable during aba testing as I lowered my tire psi for the snow we may get Saturday. Now less unsprung weigh, you may feel that on bumpy roads.

[awcook]

Originally Posted by Xist

Wouldn't your windshield washer, if it shoots over your windshield, propel your car?

This is something that really needs to be tested. Not sure how adding this would affect aerodynamics, but someone out there should be willing to test it.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by awcook

This is something that really needs to be tested. Not sure how adding this would affect aerodynamics, but someone out there should be willing to test it.

The effect of shooting water backwards with the washers would not offset the extra weight of the washer and water.

Besides that, the energy used to propel the water comes from the alternator, so the "boost" could never make up for the drag placed on the engine, which is powering the alternator.

If you really want to go faster, you need rockets. Perhaps a scuba tank filled half with air and half with water, and a valve that dumps it quickly.

[awcook]

Maybe, if possible to do it cheaply, we could use a solar panel to power an air compressor and use that to pump air into a scuba tank, then use that air to push you along for that extra boost when you EOC and don't want to turn your engine back on. This would all have to be without using the alternator and would have to be placed properly as to not increase aerodynamic drag.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by awcook

Maybe, if possible to do it cheaply, we could use a solar panel to power an air compressor and use that to pump air into a scuba tank, then use that air to push you along for that extra boost when you EOC and don't want to turn your engine back on.

There are too many conversion losses. Solar energy -> electrical -> mechanical -> compressed fluid.

It would be much more efficient for the solar panel to drive an electric motor that is attached to your drive-train.

As you point out, the solar panels would have to be applied in a way that doesn't increase drag. The problem is that cars move relative to the direction of the sun. It's a poor use of solar panels when you could just mount them in an optimal location, such as the roof of a house, and then charge a vehicle with the energy produced from the rooftop.

[Cobb]

No alternator here, its a hybrid. Plus, Im using 2 deep cycle batteries and converter to supplement my charging system.

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Besides that, the energy used to propel the water comes from the alternator, so the "boost" could never make up for the drag placed on the engine, which is powering the alternator.