Ford Festiva aero (or lack thereof)

[return2pa]

Hi everyone,
I have an '88 Festiva, which as you may know is as square as the box it came in. I rarely do any driving that would be affected by any aero tweaks, such as highway speeds, but I am planning a cross-country trip in a few months and am thinking about what I can do to make it at least a bit smoother. On my last trip across country I averaged about 43 mpg, which is not bad considering the car was loaded with my belongings and so was carrying a good amount of weight (btw, 43 mpg is with a carburetor, and a 4-speed!). Without all the weight I would have gotten at least 50 m.p.g by past experience.

I have some modifications planned already, nothing too expensive but hopefully efficient. However I would like to hear what you guys have in mind. The money spent should be minimal, as it's only for this one trip.

Let the thinking begin!

[ConnClark]

When you put your roller skate on try tucking the laces inside the boot top LOL

[Christ]

Most of your gains will probably be seen from practicing better driving techniques which can be employed free of charge, put to use or taken out of service on a moment's notice, without work or employ, and for absolutely no reason at all.

It's less work to just learn how to make your car do less work.

[Frank Lee]

Just look through the 65 mods and see if there's anything there that floats your boat.

[thirdman]

A flat, detached spoiler looks like it should help:

[gascort]

Originally Posted by thirdman

A flat, detached spoiler looks like it should help:

I remember seeing this; I'm looking forward to testing a prototype of this when it gets warm outside; would like to see it on your festiva too.

[Bicycle Bob]

If this is just for one trip, take the time you are willing to put into planning and building the mods, and put it into driving slower.

[MetroMPG]

ConnClark spreads mirth.

Bicycle Bob spreads wisdom.

If you really want to mod it rather than just slowing down, after coming up with a partial grille block that doesn't melt your engine, the back of the car is where the largest gains are to be had. Boat tail, baby.

[bnmorgan]

Originally Posted by thirdman

A flat, detached spoiler looks like it should help:

Can I have your model for that?

[Fester]

I'm a new guy with a Festiva too. Mods to the rear of the car, other than maybe a spoiler are not an option for me. I need the hatch to be readily accessible.

Any chance a belly pan would help much on a 'Stiva?


Also, is there typically any benefit to putting mirrors on top of the fenders instead of hanging off the side of the door? Not necessarily for a Festiva, on any car or the average car?