Aeromodability of a VW Bug?

[123]

Did you see that Jack McCornack got 127 mpg at the Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge with MAX and hypermiling was not used. Here is the link to his blog

MAX Update No. 79: Incredibly Good Mileage (127 MPG)

I am surprised that a roadster can achieve that kind of fuel economy. Now if only it had a tdi or other small modern diesel engine.

[Frank Lee]

This relates how?

It DOES have a modern diesel in it.

Grab a coffee and read it again.

[123]

How is a mechanical non computerized non direct injection Kubota diesel engine that’s normally used in tractors modern? I have seen the car in person before.

[Frank Lee]

I see what you mean. I bet that Hayes motorcycle diesel would move that thing along adequately... perhaps better than it is now.

[123]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I see what you mean. I bet that Hayes motorcycle diesel would move that thing along adequately... perhaps better than it is now.

That engine would not work better if you cant get it.
Latest news is that the company has stopped producing/developing this motorcycle, which would explain why their website does not work but this is getting off topic.

The thing that I find most interesting about max and also relates to this thread is max has no roof yet can get such high mpg. Much discussion has been done about how the shape of the roof and especially the rear window area of a vw bug is bad aerodynamically. Is not having a roof better then one that is not aerodynamically correct or is max streamlined so well every where else that it makes up for not having a roof?

[Frank Lee]

The streamlining i.e. Cd is probably fairly lousy but his saving grace is having the frontal area of a gnat.

[123]

Here is a car that wouldn't be to difficult to replicate using vw parts.

The Covington Tiburon



Its rear engine like a vw. Gets 50mpg. The car was built in Florida in the early 60s.

Has a lot of similarities to the vw based Sterling kit car.



Link to more info about the car Covington Tiburon

If you used a geo metro xfi engine or small diesel engine instead of the 50s era engine it should get 100+ mpg.

[Frank Lee]

Speaking of "modern" diesels, the Hayes that's won every Vetter challenge is, I understand, indirect injection, and probably mechanical at that.

[gtkid2002]

I wonder if using one of those small diesel engines would work with the stock VW trans. Because that would be fun to run on WVO/SVO.

Right now I'm slowly moving further away from this project sadly. I might have to scrap everything and move on because of some political views I have, but that's another story, and may or may not happen for a while.

Although. Since the Baja was FI originally, I found this little box plugged into the back of the speedo. I kept it, not knowing what it was till I cracked it open. Turns out it's a switch set that converts the stock VW speedo cable to mechanically switched pulses. So I could have essentially a VSS without having to do any major homebrew stuff. Just would have to do a pinout and some math.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Me too. I don't recall seeing any fenderless, bumperless Model A and T rods pulled over and ticketed for that.

My car OEM came with a rubber covered 2x4 bumper, I wonder if because the vehicle OEM never had bumpers they still don't need them?