Zulu's Build Thread (Honda CR-Z)

[CigaR007]

I finally removed the rear wiper and motor. Aero improvement will be negligible, but at least the car looks better and is now 2.5 lbs lighter.

[M_a_t_t]

There was a saying on here from someone, instead of looking for a place to lose a lb, find 16 places to lose an ounce.

Or something like that. It's been a little while since I've seen it.

[freebeard]

I remember [about] it. Signature lines are ephemeral.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Aero improvement will be negligible

If it leads to an actual improvement to the aerodynamics, even if it would seem negligible, it's still better than nothing. BTW would a single-arm front wiper be out of question?

[CigaR007]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

If it leads to an actual improvement to the aerodynamics, even if it would seem negligible, it's still better than nothing.

For sure, I will take any efficiency gain, no matter the number !

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

BTW would a single-arm front wiper be out of question?

You mean to remove one the front wiper arms ? If so, I wouldn't do it because I really do need the both wipers in the front, especially in the Winter months due to snow, ice, salt and calcium accumulation on the windshield.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

You mean to remove one the front wiper arms ? If so, I wouldn't do it because I really do need the both wipers in the front, especially in the Winter months due to snow, ice, salt and calcium accumulation on the windshield.

Simply removing one of the wiper arms randomly is something I would prefer to avoid. I mean something more similar to some Mercedes-Benz models from the 90s, or the Fiat Uno. Plus if you could get the wiper arm to keep standing while not in use like it's done on some racing cars, aerodynamics would also be favored.

[CigaR007]

Oh I see what you mean now. To be honest, I doubt the front wipers cause much drag. They seem to be stowed well enough to avoid any drag.

I intend to tuft-test the entire hood. Perhaps I can look into the wipers.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Oh I see what you mean now. To be honest, I doubt the front wipers cause much drag. They seem to be stowed well enough to avoid any drag.

Maybe it's still worth the weight saving. On a sidenote, maybe as it would have to drive only one wiper arm, a decrease to the electrical load might also benefit the overall efficiency.

[freebeard]

I have run one wiper just to save on replacement blades.

The XFi is in need. I wan to try the new beam style blades.

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by freebeard

The XFi is in need. I wan to try the new beam style blades.

I haven't noticed any particular improvement using them. They didn't last any longer, didn't justify the extra expense. When they got older, they left huge swaths unwiped, rather than a bunch of small streaks.

YMMV.