MG Midget + Geo Metro 3cyl = MGeo - Page 4 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

gone-ot · 11-14-2010, 01:57 PM

...curious, just how aerodynamic were the original "bug-eye" Sprite bodies?

Lincoln · 11-14-2010, 05:18 PM

3 Tech Performance
3Tech may be able to help you with some performance and economy upgrades.

Did you ever consider using the 3-cyl Turbo engine?
I have been playing with the idea of putting the 3-cyl Turbo engine in a Spitfire for a while, but then can never quite decide between a 3-cyl or a small diesel.

nimblemotors · 11-14-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...curious, just how aerodynamic were the original "bug-eye" Sprite bodies?

The headlights on both the bug eye and the midget are vertical and really bad for airflow. If you remove the bug eyes, they LOOK like they flow well

http://www.speedwellengineering.com/...lkerbonnet.jpg

but then the air slams into the almost vertical windshield!
Notice that racecar has no windshield.

There are many alternative body designs for the midgets that racers used, many still available. Way too expensive for this project.
I'm actually going to make my own fiberglass trunk lid, hood, and maybe fenders, material should cost about $200-300 for all of them.

robchalmers · 11-15-2010, 03:53 AM

the Frog is better than the midget, slightly.

BUT they did used to race the Spridget at Le Mans in the sixties and they can up with come cool aero designs

gone-ot · 11-15-2010, 10:30 AM

...now that's a nice looking Sprite!

...I likee!

Lincoln · 11-15-2010, 12:17 PM

How much difference does it make having no windscreen compared to one that only come up 6 to 12 inches that you see on some British cars.

jamesqf · 11-15-2010, 12:46 PM

Also remember that it's CdA that matters. Even if Cd isn't all that great, the fact that there's a lot less A makes up for it.

nimblemotors · 11-15-2010, 01:31 PM

This one looks the best to me:

It really ends up looking more like a 912 porsche.

Another one with different front end:

gone-ot · 11-15-2010, 02:38 PM

...hey, what's the passenger doing driving? (ha,ha).

rkcarguy · 11-15-2010, 03:44 PM

I have a 1963 Midget. You can get fiberglass everything for them and get it down to around 1100#'s if you c go "all out".
A friend of mine has a 73 that he swapped a japanese market SR20DE into, pretty happy with it he's seen 48mpg on a couple trips, and at 160HP it really moves when you romp on it.