Honda Insight Tail Extension Project

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

That's because you pulse 'n glide like a madman! I'm guessing 3-Wheeler doesn't P&G as aggressively.

When I P&G with the Insight, the engine sometimes gets hotter than if I drive at a constant speed.

Why?

When taking off, I use about 30% throttle at lower RPM, get up to 30 or so then shut off.

Now the engine is heated up from the faster acceleration, and the water pump is now not spinning since the engine is off.

I coast for let's say a 1/2 mile, and still no engine cooling, turn the motor back on and again, step hard on the throttle and engine gets more heat.

If it's a really hot day and I'm doing some serious P&G, it's good to keep an eye on water temp.

WeatherSpotter may be taking off more slowly which would allow more time for engine cooling while the pump is spinning.

Jim.

[jime57]

3wheeler, when you do those low speed pulse and glides, which gears and which loads do you find most efficient for the pulse segment? Assuming flat terrain of course.

Also, what speed range do you try to use?

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by jime57

3wheeler, when you do those low speed pulse and glides, which gears and which loads do you find most efficient for the pulse segment? Assuming flat terrain of course.

Also, what speed range do you try to use?

I accelerate from about 15 to 30 mph in second gear, then allow the revs to drop for several seconds, then hit the FAS button on the shifter.

If I go higher than 30, then I shift into third and continue maybe to 35 or so.

Much higher than 35 mph, and I find that the P&G is not as effective.

Jim.

[jime57]

Originally Posted by 3-Wheeler

I accelerate from about 15 to 30 mph in second gear, then allow the revs to drop for several seconds, then hit the FAS button on the shifter.

Can you convey some sense of what loads you are using during the acceleration phase? Light, moderate, rather heavy? Do you have a load indicator? I can't remember what you have said about loads, if anything.

BSFC charts for "conventional" cars usually indicate the most "efficient" torque, in terms of fuel used, at rather high loads. I haven't done enough experimental work to know that the therory works out on an insight where one could accelerate at very light loads in 3rd and still have lean burn.

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by jime57

Can you convey some sense of what loads you are using during the acceleration phase? Light, moderate, rather heavy? Do you have a load indicator? I can't remember what you have said about loads, if anything.

BSFC charts for "conventional" cars usually indicate the most "efficient" torque, in terms of fuel used, at rather high loads. I haven't done enough experimental work to know that the therory works out on an insight where one could accelerate at very light loads in 3rd and still have lean burn.

Jim,

Sorry I just now saw your post. Whoops.

Yes, when accelerating, I have the throttle at least half way down. According to the ScanGauge, the LOD is 95 or so.

I have gotten very low mileage when accelerating very slowly, such as trying to stay in lean burn.

In other words, if I accelerate using lean-burn, my engine off coasting yields basically the same results as if I were simply driving with the engine on and no coasting.

We had a University student working with us this summer, and he is directly involved in their high-mileage college entry. He went on to say that they employ a small Briggs engine, and the throttle is wide open until they get to their desired speed, where upon it is immediately shut off. Lower pumping losses in the engine that way.

Jim.

[3-Wheeler]

Well, I finally got a chance to get a nice overhead picture of the tail!

There is a new over head bridge going in not too far from the house, and I was watching with an eagle eye for a good time in the bridge construction to drive the car over and get a high elevation picture.



When I get a chance I will analyze the shape against AeroHeads Streamlining Template.

Jim.

[Cd]

That's beautiful !

[wmjinman]

Originally Posted by Cd

That's beautiful !

No kidding!!!!!! I just "read" this thread for the first time. ("Read" as in a girly magazine - mostly just looked at the pictures & read the more interesting captions, etc.)

Wow, my hat's off to you, 3-Wheeler!!! Outstanding job!!!

[California98Civic]

Easily one of the handful of really great mod projects on this site. Makes me tired just thinking about all that sanding!

[alohaspirit]

any new pics?

(ive been following since the beginning)