Valerie's Build Thread, the 2003 Civic that was and is to be.

[whatmaycome14]

So, I've now added the rear diffuser I've had cut and ready. Finally figured out how to mount it to the car. I'd like to enclose the sides and also the top (around the same height as the top of the bumper...)



I had to cut space for the muffler and tailpipe, as well as the tow hook:



Mounted to the rear bumper cover:





Just recorded my best Tank AVG of nearly 63mpg. I cannot attribute all of those gains to the diffuser alone, but I certainly wouldn't have been able to hit that without it! (I don't think anyway...)

[Daox]

Very nice MPG on that tank! You're beating my Metro.

[whatmaycome14]

Originally Posted by Daox

Very nice MPG on that tank! You're beating my Metro.

It was hard. I stayed really focused on getting the very best MPG the entire way through.

I would not say it is a good representation of what my "normal" tanks will be. BUT, it's nice to know that the car is capable of doing it.

[Xist]

You plan on widening the entire car for the front wheels? If you tapered it, aside from some complications at the front of the door, you should be able to have it taper in much sooner than that, and I would not worry about increasing the frontal area as long as you keep air attached (as much as you ever have attached air) and taper in afterward. Isn't the size of your wake the most important aspect?

Also, what is that grey material you use to cover the coroplast?

[whatmaycome14]

Originally Posted by Xist

You plan on widening the entire car for the front wheels? If you tapered it, aside from some complications at the front of the door, you should be able to have it taper in much sooner than that, and I would not worry about increasing the frontal area as long as you keep air attached (as much as you ever have attached air) and taper in afterward. Isn't the size of your wake the most important aspect?

I decided to scrap that idea.

Originally Posted by Xist

Also, what is that grey material you use to cover the coroplast?

Spray Paint.

[whatmaycome14]

Enclosed the lower part of the rear bumper:

Ready for paint...


1 can of silver spray. NOT the best job, but certainly good enough.



Decided to put #ECOCIVIC on the rear portion to encourage people to explore what the car is "all about". I don't have a photo without the stencil yet. I'm waiting for the paint to dry.

[Ecky]

Hah, I love it. Looks great!

[BabyDiesel]

Great work Zach! Between you and Donkey's Insight, I'm getting motivated

[whatmaycome14]

So... I've started to rebuild the entire rear of the car after being inspired by the Mercedes Benz iaa concept.

Here's a start, more photos to come once I get this further along...

[BabyDiesel]

This ought to be good