Rob's 05 Mitsu Lancer ES build
 

I have been a lurker for a while and learned quite a bit from everyone. It is time that I start contributing to the Ecomodder world. I haven't done much to my car, yet, but I will be continuing my build throughout the year. I have a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES with a 5 speed manual trannie and a 2.0L engine. Before hypermiling techniques, I was averaging 31 mpg (yes, I have always tracked my fuel economy). I thought I should first start with my 2009 wish list.
My 2009 Ecomodding resolution/wish list:

1) Install a permanent upper and lower grill block with controlled radiator vents - Will be starting on the upper grill block in two weeks. Lower will be a prob to determine proper angle and dimensions to achieve best results.

2) Install bolt on CAI that is sitting in my garage - Done and sprayed injector cleaner to fix the throttle sticking closed. There is no way for me to do A-B-A since we had to break to old air box to keep the sensor section for the CAI.

3) Install full body undertray out of aluminum.

4) Deflect air flow away from windshield wipers.

5) Design and build kamback from roof to back edge of trunk that matches proper teardrop slope. This must be three pieces that fold together to maintain function of trunk.

6) Rear wheel skirts and flat hubcaps.

7) Front dome hubcaps - Will be buying soon since I had a stock cap fall off.

All of this is in an attempt to reach 45 mpg normal and 35 mpg with kayaks before June 14 when East Race Whitewater park should be opening.

I do need some help on one thing at the moment, how do I upload photos? I have pics of my car stock, temp grill block, and CAI.

You can upload pics by going to the "advanced" or "preview" message editing screen. There's a "manage attachments" button. (Image sizes are listed there - they're about 100kb max / image, if I recall). Otherwise, you can use an image hosting service like imageshack.com

Looking forward to the progress on your car.

Here are the pics.

Flickr: wwkayaker's Photostream

Yay, another build. Looks like you got some good ideas there. That upper grill looks pretty large. By looking at your mileage log, it looks like you shouldn't have too much trouble hitting your goals. Good luck!

I tried adding more to my grill block and had problems with the engine temperature. Had to run the AC and heat at the same time.

IMG_0820 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The AC will radically increase engine load and temperature in a two fold problem. Your AC has a small radiator usually in front of the radiator proper or beside it. Either way its going to diffuse heat from the refrigerant onto that and accelerate the heat problems. Rolling the windows down helps out in a 2 fold way. It keeps you cool and it creates vacuum(more) on the air lines and pulls air through the engine bay via your heating ducts.

Another option you might be able to accomplish. . .If you aren't going to do an air dam you could make a small scoop for the bottom of the bumper to redirect a little bit of that airflow in an aero "convenient" spot. It keeps air from flowing under the car and causing issues, creates downforce(minimal) and cools the engine bay a bit at less of an Aero cost.

My heating ducts are not open to my engine bay and my hood is sealed on all sides. Rolling down the windows will not pull more air throught the engine bay. Also, windows down causes more of a load on the engine than the AC does. I did try driving on that trip with the heat on and the windows down and it was unbearable. Without the heat on, the engine temp kept fluctuating. The AC on mid heat was the only bearable option.

When I blocked the grill, I only had air going through the center lower 1" of the radiator (hard to explain, but my lower grill only has 1 - 2 inches of radiator surface. The rest of the rad is in the upper grill.). I think that I need air vertically across the entire rad. I think it will only need to be about 1 inch tall. I also thought about making a duct out of a clothes dryer hose and making it flat at the radiator end of it. This would allow me to cover the duct when it is not needed. I will keep experimenting until I get it right.