Poll: Insight front bumper modifications - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

E_Swift · 11-30-2009, 09:44 PM

Thanks all for the input so far - I really like where the thread is going. I can certainly accomplish a sleek replacement bumper - the issue will be to have both a functional and aesthetic means to allow some level of airflow for summer afternoons in traffic.

Thanks for the link to the Peugeot 307 and the hint about the BMW system... now the wheels are turning.

I think first step (per the WAF) will be to source a spare front bumper to sacrifice to make a mold.... anyone have a lead? Didn't see anything obvious on ebay, and the only good ones on car-part were a 2-day drive away...

E_Swift · 11-30-2009, 09:45 PM

Good point on the power transistors, I will have to take a look. In my experience with Honda motorcycles, this is a point not to be taken lightly!

RobertSmalls · 11-30-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerohead

Is there an extremely expensive set of power transistors and heat sink that needs cooling as well as the radiator?

I've combed through the engine bay and there certainly isn't anything with a heatsink on it in there. No alternator, either. The DC-DC converter is located in the passenger compartment, and so are the various computers.

There are a few components under the hood that would prefer lower temperatures (the 12V battery comes to mind), but they'll be okay.

3-Wheeler · 11-30-2009, 11:41 PM

When the Insight fan comes on, can you hear it easily? I have yet to hear mine come on, and I run a radiator block, but have it set to 75% right now.

I also monitor the ScanGauge and typically keep it below 197°F or so.

My wife has a Honda Fit, and I can hear her fan come on anytime we are sitting in traffic, and I have not *touched* her car. She knows me too well!!

If the fan makes enough noise, I may try card-boarding over the entire lower bumper opening and see what happens. We're in the 30's outside right now.

Jim.

RobertSmalls · 12-01-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3-Wheeler

When the Insight fan comes on, can you hear it easily? I have yet to hear mine come on, and I run a radiator block, but have it set to 75% right now.

I've never heard it, and I've never seen it come on while I've had the hood open. I only know it works because on the rare occasion when the temperature rises to 205, it quickly retreats back to 195.