A.M.E.C. Economy Run III - Fonda, NY 8-23-09 - Page 14 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

blownb310 · 08-21-2009, 12:25 AM

Got it, thanks Robert. It will be interesting to see a Subaru get some good fuel mileage for a change. All of the "normal" drivers I know that have them only get in the mid 20's. Although I really wanted to see an Insight at our event, let's see what the AWD Suby can really do.

Mike

MetroMPG · 08-21-2009, 02:24 PM

Guys: Mike asked me in e-mail where we're having supper tomorrow evening so some of the other AMEC members can join us.

Can anyone post the confirmed details?

blownb310 · 08-21-2009, 02:31 PM

We've had a few cancellations today, so we are currently at 24 vehicles, where we wanted to be all along. I have updated the roster on page 10.

I had an ambitious new additional aero project planned for today and tomorrow, that I was going to surprise you all with. I went to Home Depot last night to buy all of the materials. But unfortunately I now have a wake I have to go to tomorrow, so those plans are on hold for now. I'll have to run it as is. I did test drive it last evening and had no issues at all. The floor didn't get warm, I didn't smell any plastic melting, nothing flew off or loosened up, and the car coasts quite bit better now.

Let's hope for a dry Sunday so we can all get our best results.

blownb310 · 08-21-2009, 04:00 PM

Regarding the grill block, last year I used cardboard and blocked half the grill. I had small plexi covers over the headlamps only.

This year I centered the air intake [which is more suited to the radiator's central position] and made them both out of plexiglass. I haven't taped them in yet.

My only concern is the forward leaning angle of the block plates and grill itself. My question is, would it be worthwhile to pull the bottom of the grill blocks out from behind the bumper and mount them in front of the bumper so they lean back a bit?

Opinions needed please.....

MetroMPG · 08-21-2009, 04:36 PM

I think you should expand the plexiglass at the front of the car to effectively make it just slightly bigger than the full projected area of the car. Thus, airflow will completely avoid the car body, minimizing interference drag - yet forward vision will be preserved!

You may need a few large brackets to accompish this.

You're welcome!

---

OK, OK. Your idea can't hurt. It might possibly lower the stagnation point as well, and more air over & around is usually better. I'd pay attention to the outside "edges" - make sure there's a radius, not a hard corner at the transition to the hood & sides of the headlights. Hucho will tell you you don't need much - half an inch radius, like the leading hood edge of the VW Rabbit (Golf 1) is enough to retain attached flow.

tasdrouille · 08-21-2009, 04:49 PM

Hi Mike,

Would it be worthwhile, I don't know. Would it be better, yes. The closer you can get your nose to a quarter-circle (or a quarter oval) with all corners rounded the better (profile view). At least that's what Hucho's book said.

Will you join us for dinner tomorrow?

Martin

edit: lol Darin, your post wasn't there when I started writing (yeah...I'm slow). Funny how we both referred to Hucho.

tasdrouille · 08-21-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Guys: Mike asked me in e-mail where we're having supper tomorrow evening so some of the other AMEC members can join us.

Can anyone post the confirmed details?

I thought we were meeting in the Hotel's parking. I'd like to know where we eat too in case I'm late..

blownb310 · 08-21-2009, 05:10 PM

Thanks for the reply guys. It gives me inspiration for future improvements.

As to meeting for dinner. Unfortunately I am 90% sure I won't be back in time tomorrow night to join you all. I have to go to a wake down near Philly tomorrow morning. It's an 8.5 hr. round trip drive.

So far quite a few people have asked about dinner on Saturday night. Ben was the ring leader there I thought, but nothing has been announced. I have copied a few people to this thread to watch for developements. I hope someone takes the bull by the horns.

Mike

MetroMPG · 08-21-2009, 05:49 PM

I'm pretty sure Will or Ben knows the place where we're eating.

Ben's been scarce the past few days. Big project in the skunkworks got him occupied. Hopefully he'll post this evening.

MetroMPG · 08-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Mike, just curious: are there route instructions for the drive with odometer distances in it (at the various intersections, etc)? I seem to recall reading it on the AMEC board but can't find the reference. Is it possible to e-mail them if you have them?