Xsara ECoupe

[NickelB NL]

After reading en looking and reading again i am very anxious in doing more to my car. When i bought my car i used 1:18 (42.3).
http://ecomodder.com/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif
Then i did a partial grillblock and started driving on rpm when the fe was best, and i put 42psi in my winter tyres.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif

Now i use 1:21 (49.4). So a good advantage. But i feel there is more te gain. So my next 3 steps are an airdam, rear wheelskirts and flat wheelcaps. I think the rear wheel skirt wil do a good increase in mpg, because the rear wheel is close to the and, and the shape on de rear side of the gap is realy bad
http://ecomodder.com/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif
But i am thinking that i need side skirts first. or use foam to make a nice incline on the bottom of the skirt. this because i want the skirt go as low als possible to my rear bumper
http://ecomodder.com/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif

[nemo]

You are off to a good start. Looking forward to seeing the results of your next mods.

[NickelB NL]

I hope my rear wheel skirt helps, i hope for a 2 mpg because it is so badly shaped. I think on the back side it is more then 1.5" ofset from the tire, if not more

[Piwoslaw]

NickelB, congrats on your steadily improving fuel log

Does your Xsara have a plastic bellypan under the engine? These became standard in diesels before they showed up in gassers. If you don't have it, then find one and install it - it will not only clean up the air flow under the car, but also help keep the engine warm.

I believe that the trend in the last few years is to use wheel spats instead of a front airdam.

Looking at your car I see at least 3 things I'd do first:

1. Block the upper grille,
2. Partially block the lower grille,
3. Fold the passenger side mirror, and maybe install an internal mirror if you need one.

Have you tested your Xsara for EOBD/OBDII compatibility? Maybe an OBD device would be better help than the onboard computer you have.

[NickelB NL]

I can't block the grill to much. Because when i had a partial block in the bottom. my temp went up at 26c ambiant temp. and with 300.000+ km on the engine, i dont want to push the temp to high and risk engine fail. but when the temp goes under a stable 15c i'm going to block it of. I have a bellypan for under the engine, but the rest of the car is a mess. the rear bumper especialy. it sticks out alot under the car. so a full bellypan is needed. I want to do a airdam because i think it would look good with the color. and do somethin with the suspension.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by NickelB NL

and do somethin with the suspension.

Only do that when you need to replace or really want to lower the suspension.
It's a mod that will never pay for itself in fuel savings.

[NickelB NL]

i meant to take out of the airflow with the airdam. sorry my english is not so clear.

i am also planning to make my wheelcaps smooth. they are cheap 20euro caps where the paint is coming of. so no loss there. just tinking of ways to do it. shrink foil, cloth and fiberglas or just gleuing a plastic disc on it