A long distance test

[Cassem]

Hello all,

Im going to be making a long trip on the first of the month and I would like to put some of the ecomodding techniques to the test. I made the same trip (from Atlanta to Detroit) around the same date last year with my car loaded with the same amount of weight and managed to get 35.1 mpg over the full 697 miles in my 2011 Mazda 2. When will I have another opportunity for such a perfect test?

My question is: using things like duct tape, cardboard, and minimal tools what sort of mods would you like to see made?

Also, if anybody is in the Atlanta area with tools and time they would like to donate, Im happy to get more in-depth with the mods. I just don't have a)much ability b)anything more than duct tape and a dremel (I am a pathetic excuse for a man!!!)

I will post the results when I finish the trip if there is sufficient interest.

Here is what I am planning so far (mostly deals with driving style):

• Average 55 mph - track using both indash computer and gps tracking
• inflate tires to sidewall max (already done)
• airial removal (I don't listen to over-the-air transmission when I drive long distance)
• grill block

[aerohead]

Is there a way to get some images of the car,especially from the side,from a long distance with telephoto lens? Or from a Mazda dealer showroom brochure on that car?
We could learn a lot from that.

[Cassem]

The best I can do is with my cellphone camera. Im not allowed to post pictures or links until I have more posts. Ill try to do that soon.

**Kirk beat me to actual pictures, but I have enough posts to upload now.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Cassem

The best I can do is with my cellphone camera. Give me a few minutes to strip off the metadata (I don't want anybody coming to my house)

Thanks,I understand.I'll look around.

[FXSTi]

He needs a few more posts to include links. I'm have great Google-Fu so here ya go.





Kirk

[skyking]

I suggest lexan rear wheel skirts.

[Cassem]

Kirk, you probably could have just taken a picture of your Fiesta, lol

[Cassem]

As far a rear wheel skirts go, the rear bumper actually starts closer to the center of the car that the outside of the tire. A skirt would also have to extend the width of the bumper. Ideas?

[skyking]

bring it down as far as you can. Pizza pan covers. Grille block?
Grilled Pizza Mmmmmm.

[Cassem]

Hm. Ill check out the pizza pan wheel covers. I saw people make wheel covers out of fiberglass and shirts ... what about duct taping over the vents in the hubcap?

Im not doing permanent or even semi-permanent mods right now (i.e., no tools). Just cheap testing.