Intro by Grant-53 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Grant-53 · 02-27-2010, 07:34 PM

I'm a survivor of the '73 oil embargo and subsequent gas crises. My training is in mechanical and industrial engineering technology. My interests are in powered bicycles and fairings. My car is a '95 Geo Prizm 4 dr, 5-spd AC that gets 35 mpg stock. Plans for the car are a 4" front chin spoiler and a 3/4" air dam just above the rear window.

a8ksh4 · 02-27-2010, 07:47 PM

Welcome, Grant.

Have you used the heat molded bicycle bubble fairings or something more complicated?

--Dan

Grant-53 · 02-27-2010, 08:12 PM

I started with a molded National motorcycle fairing for my Huffy 3spd, then tried adapting a snowmobile windshield to the drop handlebars of my touring bike. Both reduced drag but the side winds make fairings attached to the steering too unstable. The Mueller fairing is the best looking of the models currently on the market and does not have much side area. These are pricey compared with what can be made with other materials. Any fairing I build now attaches to the frame with U-bolts. My favorite material is hex mesh wire ( aka chicken wire) glued between 5 mil sheet plastic. I use aluminum angle for the main spar and nylon tubing for ribs. These are lightweight and inexpensive. A nose cone and tail box can improve cruising speed by 50 - 100 % at the same level of effort. I set my gearing to max out at 30 mph at 90 rpm. I bought a motorcycle helmet and may add a drawer roller to slide the back section out of the way to swing a leg over the seat.

MetroMPG · 02-28-2010, 12:05 PM

I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd be interested in seeing photos of your work.

Welcome to the site!

MetroMPG · 02-28-2010, 12:07 PM

Just had a look at Google Maps: Elmira NY is pretty close to Watkins Glen. You should check out the Green Grand Prix this May - a bunch of us are going:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ins-12031.html

Grant-53 · 03-02-2010, 06:17 PM

The Green Grand Prix would be a great weekend. May is still cool enough for vigorous cycling. I'm about 35 miles south and Route 14 is not hilly. The Catherine Valley trail is great for hiking or biking. The International Motorsport Museum is worth seeing and they have a great library open to the public. Nearby Hammondsport has the Glenn Curtiss museum displaying his early motorcycles and aircraft.

Bicycle Bob · 03-02-2010, 06:27 PM

I can understand a front air dam, if you don't expect snow, etc, but why the rear one?

Grant-53 · 03-04-2010, 11:33 PM

The front air dam is to reduce lift and a 4" piece would leave enough clearance for the snow we get around here. The strip at the back end of the roof on the curve above the window will affect the air flow of the 4 dr sedan in a couple ways. It will provide some down force, keep the snow from the roof from collecting on the rear window, and hopefully extend the flow for a Kamm effect. Tuft testing and mpg logs will determine the results.
The car is needing some bodywork along the rocker panels. When that is complete the next addition would be wheel fairings attached to mud guards. After that a belly pan would be in order.