EcoModder.com

EcoModder.com (https://ecomodder.com/forum/)
-   DIY / How-to (https://ecomodder.com/forum/diy-how.html)
-   -   Looking to ecomod my Chevrolet Volt (extend its electric range) (https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/looking-ecomod-my-chevrolet-volt-extend-its-electric-32536.html)

WindyDrew 08-10-2015 08:15 AM

Looking to ecomod my Chevrolet Volt (extend its electric range)
 
I bought a 14 Volt newish 3 months ago then I got a new job 42 miles away from my house. I get 37 miles consistent with AC on going 60 but with nice enough weather, I can leave the ac off like this morning with 4 miles to spare going 56! But I charge at work on 110 plug so I only get 30 miles range in 8 hours. So I'd like to make some improvements. I'm starting with pizza pans since they're cheapest. I'm probably going to use the center cap hole to fashion a plate for removable mount instead of relying on the plastic cap. Then I was thinking of adding a short hitch boattail for a little more luggage room for vacation. I'd also like to get better fuel mileage on gas mode. I was thinking about adding a hot air intake.


So far the suggestions are

Wheel covers/rear wheel cover
Mirror deletes

me and my metro 08-10-2015 11:52 AM

I asked my brother in law about his Volt, he has #64, and 37 miles is about right stock. He changed tires and the ride is much better but the "e" miles dropped to 34-35. He has about 50k miles on his and the average mpg is in the 230 range. The only problem so far was the charging transistors and they were covered by GM.

Daox 08-10-2015 12:26 PM

Sounds like a good idea. I'd love to see what kind of mileage someone can eek out of an aeromodded Volt!

Have you considered one or both of the side view mirrors? That would probably get you 1 - 2 more miles of range (typically 3% increase in FE).

3-Wheeler 08-10-2015 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindyDrew (Post 489521)
..... I was thinking about adding a hot air intake.

Hi,

Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm for a hot air mode, but my Insight did not really improve that much when I added one to that. The change was barely 2%, and that could easily be attributed other factors.

Your choice of aero improvements seems like it would be lower hanging fruit, and worth your energy.

Jim.

mf70 08-10-2015 03:57 PM

Hmm, it looks like the air dam is already there in front. How about rear wheel covers? Side air fences?

http://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam...-1-648x251.png

WindyDrew 08-10-2015 05:29 PM

Low hanging fruit
 
That's the kind of suggestions I'm looking for. I have been thinking about mirror deletes but not sure how to go about it without ruining the appearance. Maybe a molded fg cap similar to the mirror base. Just looking for mods that won't permanently affect the car negatively. Gm already got most of the low hanging fruit but left some for fear of the general public acceptance I'm sure.

WindyDrew 08-10-2015 05:34 PM

How tight would a hitch boattail have to be to the body to make the most effect without hitting the paint. Can somebody photoshop a 2 ft ideal boattail on a Volt?

Daox 08-10-2015 05:40 PM

Mirror deletes are usually pretty easy. Remove a trim panel on the inside and remove a few screws and the mirror pops off. You just need to fab up a plate of some sort to cover any holes. It can be as simple or fancy as you'd like.

WindyDrew 08-10-2015 06:45 PM

I'm good with the whole mirror delete but I'd like to come up with a solution to keep some visibility on at least the passenger side.

Daox 08-10-2015 09:20 PM

Here are a few links to threads about internal rear view mirrors that guys have used when deleting their exterior mirrors.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ion-28383.html
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ors-30856.html
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ions-6008.html


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:16 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com