The Prius Experiment - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

freebeard · 03-09-2022, 05:06 PM

Gasoline Fumes -- Duh! That's right, now I remember that it was a black alloy wheel with the cover.

I suggested the wheel looked better than the hubcap and they could take the other three off. Last I remember they wouldn't do that, or buy a replacement.

Blacktree · 03-10-2022, 07:49 PM

Just a quick update. I've done 2 fillups since installing the grille block. The average fuel economy before the grille block was 58 mpg. These last 2 fillups were 60+ mpg. So we're looking at 2-3 mpg difference (about 3-5% improvement).

However, I'm not ready to claim victory with the grille block yet. I'm sure it helps FE, but the question is how much. You see, the previous fuel economy data were taken during the winter (or what passes for winter in Florida). I was occasionally using the heater, which means the ICE was running more often. During these last 2 fillups, I hardly used the heater at all.

There is also some variability caused by the Prius fuel tank. It has a bladder in the tank, which makes fillups somewhat inconsistent. The guys on PriusChat say to do 3-5 fillups and take an average, for more consistent data. So I'm going to do one more fillup, then move on to the next mod.

Also one more comment before I hit the submit button: I want this car to be presentable in public. I know the Prius isn't exactly a show car, but I'd like the mods to look like they belong there. So the pipe insulation, pizza pans, etc are just proofs of concept. If they work as planned, then I will make "real" parts to replace them.

hayden55 · 03-11-2022, 10:51 AM

What is your drive cycle like? How many miles on the car? Local temps? What all have you replaced on it (new battery)?

Blacktree · 03-19-2022, 05:02 PM

Something came in the mail today.

They're motorcycle mirrors that I bought online. They should be easier to install than the pizza pans. And since I'm all about the low-hanging fruit, I think I'll do the mirrors first. I'll post updates when available.

Blacktree · 03-20-2022, 03:41 PM

Quick update on the grille block. We now have 3 fillups since the grille block was installed. And average fuel economy has increased. Before the grille block, the average was about 57.7 mpg. After the grille block, it's about 60.7 mpg.

I still think some (if not most) of that is environmental variables. But I don't have the resources for a true scientific test. So I'm going to call it a win, and move on. Sometime in the future, I'll make a "grille block grille", so the car isn't driving around with foam rubber stuffed up its nose.

Also, I've decided to do the mirrors next. I got some bright orange yarn, for tuft testing. Should be fun!

ksa8907 · 03-20-2022, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacktree

Quick update on the grille block. We now have 3 fillups since the grille block was installed. And average fuel economy has increased. Before the grille block, the average was about 57.7 mpg. After the grille block, it's about 60.7 mpg.

I still think some (if not most) of that is environmental variables. But I don't have the resources for a true scientific test. So I'm going to call it a win, and move on. Sometime in the future, I'll make a "grille block grille", so the car isn't driving around with foam rubber stuffed up its nose.

Also, I've decided to do the mirrors next. I got some bright orange yarn, for tuft testing. Should be fun!

Be sure to watch your coolant/transmission/other temps with a grill block, especially in summer.

hayden55 · 03-21-2022, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksa8907

Be sure to watch your coolant/transmission/other temps with a grill block, especially in summer.

he should be good. I towed a 1000lb bass boat with a grill block on my prius for a couple summers around 100F with no issues.

Blacktree · 03-21-2022, 11:25 AM

Yeah, I've been watching the coolant temps. So far, so good. But it isn't summer yet. If worse comes to worst, I can make a removable section.

I avoided blocking the grille in front of the inverter, because I don't want to risk it. And the gasoline engine runs intermittently. I watch the coolant temp drop after the engine shuts off. And I think sometimes, it comes on just to maintain operating temperature.

Blacktree · 03-21-2022, 08:48 PM

I did a thing!

I test-fitted one of the motorcycle mirrors on the right side of the car, and did some tuft testing. I got video footage of stock vs motorcycle mirror, from 2 different viewpoints (inside the car, and the camera on the window). I haven't had time to review the footage yet, but am eager to see the results.

Blacktree · 03-25-2022, 05:57 PM

Just a quick update: I got a chance to review the camera footage. The stock mirrors weren't as bad as I thought. That was a surprise. But the smaller mirrors should still be an improvement.

I'm going to compile the video footage (from 2 different viewpoints) into a YouTube video. The video should be ready on Sunday. Have a great weekend!