Bman83GL
07-27-2006, 11:07 AM
Hi folks,
In the interest of improved fuel mileage, here are the changes that I have made to my Saturn to date.
First off, a K&N drop-in air filter. I have always seen at least +1 mph hwy from this.
Recently, I removed the front airdam (two pictures of factory air dam, one picture of my car without it, attached). I also moved the license plate up on the bumper to clear the air slots in the fascia. I've read an SAE study on how license plates block cooling air flow, and its not pretty. On a single, two-day, 280 mile round trip venture, I saw an increase of 2 mpg highway from just pulling this off (previous best 31 mpg, 33 this trip). For reference, the trip was A-B-A, A-B-A. I was pleasantly surprised to find a really neat diffuser within the front fascia, slowly introducing the air to the radiator. I plan to seal this duct to the radiator and put in an engine cover to further improve underbody flow. I also plan subtle front wheel deflectors, perhaps a 20mm lip on the rear edge of the trunk, and a hose from the unused driver side foglight cutout to the airbox. As this evolves, I'll post the results.
Since I recently packed the family in the PT Crusier for a 700+ mile jaunt to Myrtle Beach, I put a quick aero mod package together on that brick. I'll detail that in another post as I am able.
Again, cool site. It's nice to be able to share an interest that most people write off as, "making the car look weird!"
Bman
In the interest of improved fuel mileage, here are the changes that I have made to my Saturn to date.
First off, a K&N drop-in air filter. I have always seen at least +1 mph hwy from this.
Recently, I removed the front airdam (two pictures of factory air dam, one picture of my car without it, attached). I also moved the license plate up on the bumper to clear the air slots in the fascia. I've read an SAE study on how license plates block cooling air flow, and its not pretty. On a single, two-day, 280 mile round trip venture, I saw an increase of 2 mpg highway from just pulling this off (previous best 31 mpg, 33 this trip). For reference, the trip was A-B-A, A-B-A. I was pleasantly surprised to find a really neat diffuser within the front fascia, slowly introducing the air to the radiator. I plan to seal this duct to the radiator and put in an engine cover to further improve underbody flow. I also plan subtle front wheel deflectors, perhaps a 20mm lip on the rear edge of the trunk, and a hose from the unused driver side foglight cutout to the airbox. As this evolves, I'll post the results.
Since I recently packed the family in the PT Crusier for a 700+ mile jaunt to Myrtle Beach, I put a quick aero mod package together on that brick. I'll detail that in another post as I am able.
Again, cool site. It's nice to be able to share an interest that most people write off as, "making the car look weird!"
Bman