Project: Geo Metro boat tail prototype - 15% MPG improvement @ 90 kph / 56 mph

[JohnNeiferd]

MetroMPG,

I tried to figure out the spacing of your cardboard inserts using some basic proportions. I think I have your four inserts in about the right places. I added in a fifth one where the kammback ends. The red lines and numbers indicate where the cardboard pieces are and the height of them. The green lines indicate the distance between the pieces of cardboard.



Does this look about right to you? I still need to figure out the width of each piece of cardboard, but that will be harder to do from the back view of your boattail. Hopefully you can post your actual measurements of the individual cardboard pieces when you disassemble it sometime.

Edit: Adding the green measurements together comes up with a total of 63" so my calculations are off slightly.

[hotrodfeguy]

I would go with a more agressive side angle for side winds. Making it more of a all around functional piece. I have a similar metro and often notice sidewind makes me put more throttle into the car at 65 to maintain speed. I think your design is better on the straight with no crosswind. Awesome job

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I'd like to see this with a tail:

Ask and ye shall receive:

From the same builder... http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/ultimate-aerodynamic-car-dave-clouds-streamliner-dolphine-13142.html

[Nerys]

oh my god that car is freaking awesome! Drool Drool Drool !!

[JRobbins]

take a look at the new vw scirocco it kinda looks like that modified metro ... just a bit prettier

[Tango Charlie]

But to bring the thread back on track (maybe); Do you have any updates on the Metro boat tail, Darin? Do you still plan on making a permanent version?

[tiresmokindad]

Originally Posted by Christ

You don't fail until you give up. You learn, and move on.

Yes I agree. I am already move on.

[RobertSmalls]

Bump. Metro, you mentioned you could grab the end of your boat tail and wiggle the car with it. How vigorously? How close was your cardboard prototype to being strong enough for permanent installation?

[XJguy]

Impressive efforts....but while you are making your car more aerodynamic you are also making it into a perfect high-lift wing. If you ever get the need for speed you may find yourself in a potentially catastrophic predicament.

[Funny]

Fortunately, Darin's need for speed brings him up to a whole 55 mph....

Therefore I see zero possibility of catastrophic incidents at this time, at least caused by D.