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| Attempt to increase gas mileage (Page 3/3) |
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 24, 08:52 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
A wing on the back of a car (not a spoiler) creates downforce to improve traction and handling. Formula one cars can create downforce equal to 5 times the weight of the car.
So if I mounted a wing on the top of my car, but flipped it over with the round side on top it would create lift (like on an airplane). Since this would make my car weigh less would that not increase my rate of feul consumption? |
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Threedog, I think there have been enough tests to prove that the Fiero's spoiler DOES do *something* ... though for the most part, the benefit is mostly insignificant. If I remember correctly, it helps reduce some of the air turbulance by the back window, and most people (including myself) have found that it does help the car feel a bit more stable at high speed.
With that, flipping the spoiler would likely have an effect, but it would basically be the opposite of what the current spoiler does. The spoiler would create lift at speed, which would mean the car would feel a bit more squirrelly at high speed, not more stable. It would not increase fuel economy though. I don't remember if anyone has done a test with or without the spoiler. It seems to help smooth out the air a little bit, so I don't know if it reduces drag overall (when installed properly). Certainly, flipping it wouldn't improve it.
You can improve fuel economy by lowering the car to reduce drag under the car... and of course hogging out the exhaust manifold, port-matching the intake pieces, cruising at a speed that's more optimal for the engine efficiency (1,750 on the highway?). And really, changing the gearing. The 84 came with a very special version of the 4-Speed that had really low gears (or high, however it's phrased). Let me look it up... ok, here were the two options...
MY8 4-SPEED MANUAL MUNCIE 3.32 RATIO 1984 L4 ONLY
M19 4-SPEED MANUAL MUNCIE 4.10 RATIO 1984 L4 ONLY
Honestly. 3.32:1 isn't THAT amazing, but I think they were able to get pretty decent fuel economy.
My 2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX-P74 has a 2.73:1 final drive... and it gets 28mpg on the highway with a 4.6 SOHC V8, which at the same time... runs low 15s in the quarter and will absolutely tear through one of it's rear 16" grandpa whitewall tires. It shifts hard into 2nd, and will still burn through that tire too. Haha.
I can only imagine if I had 4.10:1 with limited slip...
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Patrick
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JUN 25, 05:27 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
Threedog...
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Is there something you're trying to tell us?
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cliffw
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JUN 25, 05:42 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
Is there something you're trying to tell us?
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I was wondering the same thing. If only threedog was around so we could ask him.
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OldGuyinaGT
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JUL 06, 06:17 PM
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Not sure this thread needs to be extended, but when I saw this I thought it was just too relevant to the discussion
Bugatti Type 32 aerodynamics
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Patrick
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JUL 06, 07:20 PM
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The next Fiero kit car!
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Marvin McInnis
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JUL 17, 05:41 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
I just came up with another energy saving idea.
I am going to put a windmill on top of my electric car so it will charge itself as I drive. |
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Too late! (This is not to claim that such an invention has already been successful.)
| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
So if I mounted a wing on the top of my car, but flipped it over with the round side on top it would create lift (like on an airplane). Since this would make my car weigh less would that not increase my rate of feul consumption? |
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Aerodynamic drag is an unavoidable consequence of the lift (up or down) produced by a wing. Google "induced drag." There is no free lunch.[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 07-17-2023).]
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Patrick
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JUL 17, 06:21 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Marvin McInnis:
<the usual words of wisdom>
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Marvin, so nice to see your name here again! Welcome back!
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cvxjet
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JUL 18, 12:04 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
I am going to put a windmill on top of my electric car so it will charge itself as I drive. |
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This is called a Perpetual motion machine......Good luck!
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