09-14-2010, 11:06 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Basjoos Wannabe
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Percentage increase in MPGs for simple mods?
I recently added partial grille block to my minvan, and in a half tanks worth of driving saw the difference on the tripometer. So I did the same thing to the Max and noticed the difference on the scanguage.
While I realize a grille block will have varying results according to average speed and size of grille opening etc, it struck me that I increased the mpg possible from my van about 10% with a bit of old vinyl siding and some zip ties. Are my results just not completely tested, or is a grille block (or other smaller mods) much more effective than I am led to believe?
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 RIP Maxima 1997-2012
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, which is that it's not rational to do either speed or fuel economy mods for economic reasons. You do it as a form of recreation, for the fun and for the challenge.
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09-14-2010, 12:03 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Wiki Mod
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take a look at the wiki for some real life mod data:
Car MPG Efficiency Modifications Main - EcoModder
your numbers sound a bit high, but not past the range of mod + normal driving variation.
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09-14-2010, 05:56 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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What was your test speed?
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09-17-2010, 01:12 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Basjoos Wannabe
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nearly everywhere I drive has a speed limit of 40 or higher, and there is a stretch of about 5 miles to town over 50, so I'd say aero mods would make a big difference. I'd chock this discussion to more info needed for a couple weeks til I can get a tankful of miles behind me. Tends to take a while with a 20 gallon tank though.
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RIP Maxima 1997-2012
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, which is that it's not rational to do either speed or fuel economy mods for economic reasons. You do it as a form of recreation, for the fun and for the challenge.
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10-02-2010, 05:06 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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6% tops!
The SAE credits the cooling system at about 12% of overall aerodynamic drag.
Completely eliminating the cooling system would provide a 6% mpg improvement at 55-mph,a little more at higher speed.
Accordingly,10% would be a little high,although on a case-specific basis it is possible.
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10-03-2010, 05:25 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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Basjoos Wannabe
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I wonder what the aero drag percentage of a minivan is.... I suspect a bit lower, due to larger frontal area.
__________________
RIP Maxima 1997-2012
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, which is that it's not rational to do either speed or fuel economy mods for economic reasons. You do it as a form of recreation, for the fun and for the challenge.
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10-03-2010, 10:56 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Wiki Writer
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yea 10% is a bit high i think, if you look at your frontal area of your car and look at what percentage of frontal area your grill block is its probably less than 10%.
You might however be getting an advantage from higher engine bay temperatures, quicker engine heat up times.
Id still be surprised with 10% but would be great if you are getting that much improvement.
regarding the fact that its a simple mod, whenever i do another mod to my car i am continually surprised by how easy they all are (so far), makes me think i should have done this a long time ago.
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