Aero Crosstour- Squeezing blood from a stone

[Chonk_Master]

P.S.-
I bumped tire pressure up to about 37 psi in the middle of a tank. Got 23.12 MPG, which is likely lower than actual since I did it in the middle.

Interesting. I would kill for a skidpad and an accelerometer but this ain't MIT, baby.

[freebeard]

And I'm open to cutting springs, just because I know you can, but you can get a nice, high spring rate set from Megan for about $150.

I've dropped two Superbeetles. I sold one on, and when I did the 2nd one I requested the shop use the same (stock) spring rate but increase the anti-roll bar. Instead they used super-stiff springs and the stock anti-roll bar.

When the opportunity presented itself, I had them replace the stiff springs. With the stock spring rate and 3½" of clearance, the only real problem is ground strikes on freeway bridge aprons.

[Chonk_Master]

I should clarify; the springs from Megan are for the same year V6 Accord.

If I have the right curb weights, my Crosstour has a curb weight of 4070 lbs. The heaviest Accord from the same year weighs 3605 lbs.

I'm basically try to get max spring rate with the Accord springs because they're made for a considerably lighter car. As far as I can tell, no one makes just springs for the Crosstour. But everything I've read says the the fitment is the same.

I plan on digging waaaaaay more into and maybe trying to get under an Accord to really look before buying anything but that's the tentative plan.

[Chonk_Master]

I'm getting bored out of my mind at work, so you're all going to be subjected to my micro-updates.

I managed to get an okay-ish front cross section image of the new and old side view mirrors. They're here:


Keep in mind these two shots are not scaled the same.
I'll probably be re-shooting the low profile mirror, since it has a lot of non-cross sectional area in the shot, specifically with the mounting bracket. Isolating it isn't hard to do with Gimp or whatever photo manipulation software you have.

I'll be using software called MIPAR that's gave me a free license until July 8 (because student) to analyze the photo and give me an approximation of he mirrors' surface area.

Their website is here:
https://www.mipar.us/

There's plenty of guides on how to use MIPAR and I read one that mentioned you'll need a scale to tell the software what area a pixel is worth. I didn't know this when taking the shots and cursed myself at first. Then I realized an 8.5"x11" sheet of printer paper features prominently in both. xD So, no worries there.

[redneck]

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So what instant MPG instrumentation did you acquire ?



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[Chonk_Master]

Nothing yet, on this student budget. I'm pretty much relying on the "Eco" light cutting on and off to give me some idea of what's good and what's not, for now. Beyond that, just doing MPG math after each tank and recording coast down time.

[Ecky]

Cheapest method is an MPGuino. Parts probably come out to under $30. Easiest is a Scangauge(e). Both I find invaluable.

[Chonk_Master]

I've got a raspberry pi that's been sitting on my desk for a year that needs a job....

[Ecky]

I'm sure it can be done, but I'm unaware of any existing code that works for it.

[redneck]

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Achieving results.

Just as in real life, there are certain steps that must be taken in order.

They are.


Crawl

Walk

Run


Crawl - purchase mpg instrumentation, read 100+ hyper milling tips, Practice driving tips. Observe mpg instrumentation to see how it affects mpg by adjusting the nut behind the wheel.

Walk - read 65+ efficiency mods, implement basic and simple mods like increased tire pressure, partial grill block, engine blanket, warm air intake, block heater, etc. etc. Observe mpg instrumentation to see how modifications affect MPG.

Run - add a Kamm back or boat tail , Full under tray, lower the suspension, Replace mirrors with cameras, add wheel skirts, Remote engine start & stop switch, etc. etc. Observe mpg instrumentation to see how modifications affect MPG.


The one thing that they all share in common is instantaneous mpg instrumentation. It is first and foremost.

Just like going to school or beginning a career one does not start at the top. To understand something fully one must work their way up.

The money spent on MPG instrumentation will be paid back in saved fuel quickly. (See my earlier post for suggestions)


I,ll get off my soapbox now...





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