Gonna test new fron end aero mod

[hungryhunter]

I have a 99 escort ZX2. So far I'm averageing 36mpg for 2 tanks of gas. New scangauge read 41.5mpg ave for my 20 mile one way commute. I think it needs further callibration for fuel useage. Been thinking about grill blocking and other front end mods. The other day I was unwrapping a pallet and was amazed how strong the stretch wrap was that contained the load. Why couldn't I remove my front plate, stretch this 18" wide 80mil thick membrane across the front of my car. trim the sides and bottom. slam the hood and put the plate back on (maybe even leave it off) and watch the engine temp. I don't think it will be a problem. It's transparent so it won't affect lights. It shouldn't look too bad as long as I stretch it out nice and tight like a drum so there's no wrinkles. I just ordered an 18" wide roll from Ebay. Should be able to wrap a front end ~250 times for $20.00. I just want to get my actual average for a couple more tanks before I make the mod. I am also hoping that once stretched out it will stick the to fender seam like saran wrap on a bowl. I don't want to have to use tape.

[wmjinman]

I think you've got a good plan there! I think MetrMPG did something similar on his Metro, except he sewed one out of vinyl & hooked it on with some sort of sewn-in hooks, as I recall. But I remember people on here talking about using shrink-wrap for stuff. Not sure it it'll stick to the fenders well enough you won't need tape, but if you have problems, that clear packing tape (like 2"wide "Scotch" tape) might not stand out too much, being semi-invisible.

Just be sure to keep a close eye on your temp gauge to make sure enough air is going through your radiator.

[hungryhunter]

Originally Posted by wmjinman

I think you've got a good plan there! I think MetrMPG did something similar on his Metro, except he sewed one out of vinyl & hooked it on with some sort of sewn-in hooks, as I recall. But I remember people on here talking about using shrink-wrap for stuff. Not sure it it'll stick to the fenders well enough you won't need tape, but if you have problems, that clear packing tape (like 2"wide "Scotch" tape) might not stand out too much, being semi-invisible.

Just be sure to keep a close eye on your temp gauge to make sure enough air is going through your radiator.

Thanks, I will. That's why I want to try this. If the temp starts creeping up when the weather gets hot I can just peel it off. I would hate to have glue from the tape stick to the paint. I guess it would come of with mineral spirits.
The paint is 14 years old anyway so who cares.