SMCC Montreal Economy Run - June 9th, 2012

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

I won't be able to make it this year. Have fun guys !

Bummer!

Originally Posted by nerdboy

If you can fully disable the hybrid features, as organizer I have no problem scoring the Insight in the gasoline class. I'm sure this will raise some eyebrows, so if there's a very convincing way to show that you can't just re-enable the hybrid features with a flip of a switch right after the start, that would be helpful.

In the economy run that Mike & AMEC hosted, fuel filler doors/caps were sealed with a dab of silicone, if memory serves. We could do the same thing on the hybrid breaker switch if it would ease people's minds.

[blownb310]

That would work, but knowing Darin, I more than trust him. I'm not at all concerned about him trying to get a few miles out of his half dead hybrid battery.

One of the Smart guys on Club Smart Quebec might want to see a dab of silicone though.

Mike

[MetroMPG]

Mike: Ha! I see.

Je peux dire que tu es correct, Mike: je suis un gars honnete! Mais j'ai aucun probleme avec faire quelque chose pour rassurer les gens qui ne me connaissent pas que je veux seulement proteger mon vieux batterie hybride.

Not worth risking more damage by trying to squeeze anything out of it in competition.

In reality, it will likely be more fuel efficient to run the car as a non-hybrid (even if the battery was 100%) given the specific style of driving we do in competition.

[nerdboy]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

In the economy run that Mike & AMEC hosted, fuel filler doors/caps were sealed with a dab of silicone, if memory serves. We could do the same thing on the hybrid breaker switch if it would ease people's minds.

Given that we don't even seal the fuel filler doors on this event, I'm not concerned about the breaker switch.

In the two years that we've run this, I haven't had the slightest feeling of anyone being unethical, and I expect it to continue that way especially since the only prizes are bragging rights.

Just be prepared to explain to everyone who asks why your hybrid isn't hybrid.

Hey Darin, I'd be curious about your opinion of my air dam which goes lower than the lowest underbody parts, but currently doesn't go particularly far down between on the lateral sides (between the front of the bumper and the wheels). Anything I should add/change?

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by nerdboy

Looking forward to see if the Insight stands a chance against the super-chin-spoilered Levin in the gas-class!

I have air dam envy.

I will probably not have time to do anything like this before the weekend:

[blownb310]

Hoping for good weather again this year and another evening having Lebanese take out food on the roof top!

[nerdboy]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I will probably not have time to do anything like this before the weekend:

Probably for the best. That air dam was not designed for Quebec roads!

Bad a$$ Insight though!!!

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by nerdboy

Just be prepared to explain to everyone who asks why your hybrid isn't hybrid.

Not a problem.

And I will also be prepared (in advance!) to explain how I managed to screw up the T.S.D. portion of the drive, which will likely sink any chances of placing well on corrected fuel economy anyway! That part sure adds an interesting twist to the event.

Hey Darin, I'd be curious about your opinion of my air dam which goes lower than the lowest underbody parts, but currently doesn't go particularly far down between on the lateral sides (between the front of the bumper and the wheels). Anything I should add/change?

If I'm understanding your description (more pics?), I'd encourage you to "wrap" the dam around the sides of the front bumper back to to the forward edge of your wheel arches/tires. (Basically, the same as the modified Insight, pictured.)

If there's a significant gap between the dam & the front tires, I'd wager flow along the side of the car would be more turbulent as a result.

[MetroMPG]

Will (wonderboy) stopped by for a visit on the way to Montreal. Wasn't long before talk turned to action on adding a few more mods to the Insights.

Here you see Will's disembodied feet installing the parallel clutch switch mod in his car (which permits the driver to inhibit assist/regen and background charging on demand).

I made a couple more mods to the U.F.O. as well: shifter mounted engine kill switch; electric power steering disable (it's no harder to steer without assist than my Firefly, which came with manual steering); and rear defroster disable.

[Wonderboy]

Instead of a reasonable toggle switch, I elected to use a beefy jeep-style knob switch from the forklift that donated forkenswift's motor. You know, just for the lulz. And yes, those legs go all the way up.