The Prius Experiment

[Blacktree]

Just a quick update: I decided to re-do the motorcycle mirrors. I had considered replacing the mirrors with side-view cameras, but there isn't a good place to put the view screens. Plus I'm concerned that having LCD screens on the dash would entice thieves.

So I decided to try sport bike mirrors. The mirrors that I got are roughly the same size as the old ones, but the housing appears to be more aerodynamic. Hopefully it'll reduce the wind noise.

I'll have a full-length video after the project is complete. But in the meantime, here's a teaser.

https://youtube.com/shorts/pxCVdrEMTdE

[Xist]

Has anyone tried installing vertical spoilers on their B pillars to see if they can get the air that hit the mirrors and detached to reattach?

[freebeard]

"Oh if you use math, reason, and logic you will be hated."--OilPan4

.

[Piotrsko]

Problem with mirrors is you're hanging this blunt rear face inside a turbulent airflow with no hope of getting reattached flow

[Blacktree]

I think you're missing the point of this whole project. I'm not trying to build the perfect car. I'm just doing some relatively minor things to improve fuel economy.

[freebeard]

Agreed on the minor things part. Did the change help or hinder sight-lines?

[woodstock74]

Catching up a bit, you're running the upper grill blocker all year? Any issues this past summer at peak Florida heat? I have same on my Gen 2, just installed a couple months back, but I'm in NC (though, ironically, was born in Winter Park, FL, not too far from you and still have family there), and everything is fine now, just wondering about summer. Our peak summer temps can match Florida at times, it just isn't nearly as sustained.

[Blacktree]

I've been running the upper grille block year round, with no apparent issues. I think most of the cooling is via the bottom part of the grille anyway. But while driving, I can see the coolant temp go up to 90-91 degrees C, then drop a few degrees. So apparently, the cooling system is up to the task.

I have to apologize, because I haven't done much with the Prius lately (except drive it).

For example, the sport bike mirrors haven't been installed yet. To install them, I want to remove the "stubs" from the mirror bases, and fill in the holes. But that involves body work. And I'm dragging my feet on that.

I also want to make some better wheel covers, because the pizza pans are curb magnets, and I'm getting tired of replacing them (which involves buying another stock trim ring and another pizza pan, and doing the mod). I'm sure the pizza pans have cost me more money than I saved via fuel economy. And that's discouraging.

I also replaced the right front wheel bearing. It was definitely bad. I don't think it was affecting fuel economy much, but the noise was getting annoying. I didn't do a video, because I was pressed for time. And there are already plenty of Prius wheel bearing videos. But here's a photo.



Oh, I almost forgot. A vendor sent me an Android head unit to install and review. They gave me a nice discount. In return, I promised to make an install video with a product review. I jumped on this opportunity, because IMO the stock head unit is useless. Basically all it does is AM/FM and CDs. I have a USB thumb drive full of music files, but the stock Prius radio can't play it. MEH.

That said, I did install an el cheapo aftermarket head unit. Basically, I did the bare minimum to get USB and mp3 support. So the Android unit should be a nice upgrade. Plus they included a wiring adapter for the steering wheel controls.

I just did an unboxing video of the Android head unit. The install and review video will be forthcoming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cToesBVtX8s

As a side note: I've mentioned before that my "real" project car is an E46 BMW that I'm turning into a race car. Lately, that's been eating up a lot of my spare time (and cash). Last time I went racing, I found out the gearbox is going bad. So I've been acquiring parts for a gearbox swap.

Of course, the BMW stuff is completely off topic here. But it does affect the time and resources available for the ecomodding stuff.

So in summary, the plan for the Prius is as follows:

1. Install the Android head unit
2. Install the sport bike mirrors
3. Make fiberglass wheel covers and grille block to replace the "proof of concept" stuff that should've been replaced a long time ago because it doesn't age well

And the timeframe is "whenever I get around to it." LOL

See ya next time!

[freebeard]

I also want to make some better wheel covers, because the pizza pans are curb magnets,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curb_feeler

[Blacktree]

For some reason, I never thought to use curb feelers. But it's a good idea.