The Worst Aerodynamics : A Car Story - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Bicycle Bob · 06-07-2009, 10:42 PM

With generous ground clearance, you are better off with a belly pan. An air dam adds frontal area. I'm reminded of one reason the Austin 7 was so popular with modifiers. Almost anything you could do to it was an improvement, with new design goals.

MazdaMatt · 06-08-2009, 01:35 PM

If you don't have power steering or assisted brakes, you could turn your engine off on your long downhills (if your tranny is happy with that). Try your best to maintain high gear on the uphills (tough with auto, right?)

Low speed/traffic and hills have a lot to do with weight.

Try slowing your vehicle with the gear shift (D, 2, 1) instead of the brakes - especially on downhills if you'd rather leave the engine running.

alohaspirit · 06-08-2009, 03:28 PM

Thats true about the air dam. A belly pan is feasible.

I have an auto with ps, so turning off my engine is probably a no-go.
I do coast whenever I can though. (SG: 99999)

To give you an idea of my hill:

Going up, I hit 2500 rpm at a speed of 45 mph (top gear)
the best mpg I can seem to register (consistent) is 15mpg
Once I lose momentum, it downshifts and hovers around 10-13mpg

Did I mention the speed limit is 25!

NOTE:
Ive also been car hunting (metro, civic, echo, etc)

alohaspirit · 06-09-2009, 01:08 AM

Here are some underbody shots. (Front and Rear)

Lots of space but ill have to really watch for the suspension and the exhaust

Also some skirts I mocked up

I need to go to a sign shop to see if they have leftover coroplast

Its a large space to cover. (roughly 32" x 17")

aerohead · 06-09-2009, 03:14 PM

Are you by yourself or with family? Does it rain everyday? Losing all 4-doors and the rear hatch and seats could buy some weight-savings that might help at slow-mo driving.Vulnerable to weather though and dangerous if passengers involved.The big wake is your enemy on the highway portions.A receiver-hitch style cargo box could add 24-inches of legal boattail if you could fashion an enclosure to attach to the platform.Trailer light kit would illuminate it and moving license plate back there would allow 5-0 to book ya(sorry,couldn't resist!).No easy solutions for a multi-tasking vehicle.

hypermiler01 · 06-09-2009, 05:04 PM

You live in Hawaii, so you don't have snow. Do you ever use 4WD?

Sell it and get a little car.

alohaspirit · 06-09-2009, 05:26 PM

Due to our fast moving trade winds, the rain is intermittant and random. I have a small family but we dont use the back seat everyday. It doesnt have 4wd. We do however, have really bad pot holes and road uneveness, so the tracker is really great for that. I have no fear.

Also as stated in a previous post, I am in the market for a smaller commuter car.

alohaspirit · 06-11-2009, 02:06 PM

I did the math and based on 500 miles a month with gas at $3.00

The difference between my car and one that gets 40 mpg is $300 per year

Not bad considering but Im still trying to aero

Heres a picture of a modified two door.
Anyone see what I see?

MazdaMatt · 06-11-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

Anyone see what I see?

Now you're getting the hang of this ecomodder stuff

winkosmosis · 06-14-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

I did the math and based on 500 miles a month with gas at $3.00

The difference between my car and one that gets 40 mpg is $300 per year

Not bad considering but Im still trying to aero

Heres a picture of a modified two door.
Anyone see what I see?

Wasted boattail potential?