Aerodynamics, gas, and the Camry. Need idea's. - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

***ASG14*** · 09-01-2005, 06:12 PM

Ok, I know this will sound crazy, but I'm serious. I have as of now, decided not to boost the Camry because of the gas prices,

. So I've decided on another little adventure, i want to make it better on gas.

One way i can think of is to make it a little more aerodynamic for less drag. 2 places i have seen where it may be a problem is on the windshield wipers and between the front bumper and radiator. I was thinking of custom making some kind of covering for both, to allow for a smother flow of the air. What would be the pro's and con's of those 2, and are there any other places to do it.

Secondly, I hear people say that you get better performance and gas milage with a Short Ram Air intake. As for performance, I think it's BS, gut what about for gas milage? My sucking in the warmer air, would it get better gas milage?

And is there anything anyone else can think of, such as other engine work, that will not slow the car down?

I am serious by the way.

Thanks,
Adam

CamryPunk · 09-01-2005, 06:15 PM

Adam, you're wasting your time. The aerodynamics won't come into play unless you're planning to drive 80mph everywhere. Just keep your car OEM exterior and put aside that intake til gas prices go down and then you'll be cherry.

CamryPunk · 09-01-2005, 06:30 PM

Oh and if you just drive like a grandma, then your millage will come back up. Trust me on this. Just make sure you have the right tire pressure, do oil changes, check your airfilter, check your plugs and wires, and that should keep your millage well into the high 20's.

Bernd · 09-01-2005, 06:36 PM

Agree, the aerodynamic benefits appear to be minor at common speeds. Removing the mirrors (NOT recommended) or closing an open window may save you more. Look at the return for your investment. For the cost of the mod, how much more could you drive if your gas costs X $? Your choice.

If your goal is to save avoidable expenses, fuel cost may be worth it as it represents the largest and most frequently visible cash drain. However, the largest cost factor of automolbile ownership (besides accidents) is still loss of value, say 2000-3000$ each year, depending how new and big your car is and how long you own it. And then there is insurance, taxes, maintenance...

First, I'd do all the things the economy driving books suggest that cost little even if they save litte. It does add up. Off the memory (savings estimates may not be accurate, but you get the trend):

Driving technique: up to 30%, (more if you ride-share, public-transport or bike-to-work),
Properly inflated tires 5-10% (use the highest rated inflation for full load and air up monthly),
Engine maintenance (air filter, plugs etc,) a few %,
Low-friction oil (synthetic) or an effective treatment (I use Energy Release) a few %,

A few other tips, some exotic, are described e.g. at http://www.eagle-research.com

BullMarket · 09-01-2005, 06:37 PM

I just did this to my Camry last night. I'm getting like...200 miles to the gallon.

BULLMKT

Just tune it up like Yukio says.

***ASG14*** · 09-01-2005, 06:44 PM

I use Synthetic. And 85% of my driving is on the highway, and it ofter moves at 70+ even in the slow lane. I've found my car gets batter gas milage at 70mph then it does at 55 or 60. Don't ask, it just does, and I know someone else that it does also, and he drives thousands of miles a month, all highway. I do bike, but there is nothing close to college that can be walked too, and a bus or train home from college is just as much or more then the gas I'd be spending.

Besides, the aerodynamis were going to be done by myself, so it would be a VERY minimal cost, and It would be a neat experience for learning too really, moreso then anything else.

Up till this week, I used to drive with a lead foot. I now, on my 90 mile trip home today, on back roads and high, did not even get to 3k RPM's in any gear. Still did 70-73 most of the way with cruise on, keeping it at about 2,500 rpm's and not touching the brake.

BullMarket · 09-01-2005, 06:48 PM

Toysrme posted up a thread where he put aero stuff on the front underside of his car with some heavy plastic (we'll never know the outcome).

Draft some of those big rigs.

BULLMKT

***ASG14*** · 09-01-2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullMarket

Draft some of those big rigs.

BULLMKT

kenny1773 · 09-01-2005, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullMarket

Toysrme posted up a thread where he put aero stuff on the front underside of his car with some heavy plastic (we'll never know the outcome).

Draft some of those big rigs.

BULLMKT

He is over at automotive forums in the camry section, go ask him

CamryPunk · 09-01-2005, 07:26 PM

if you want to get picky with it, adam, you can remove extra weight from your camry... but just keep it as it is... it's not worth your time nor your money.

Hope everything works out Brutha.

Cyorke · 09-01-2005, 07:56 PM

As far as aerodynamics go the Camry already is pretty aero. Not to long ago someone made a comment about the front of Tony the Tiger's camry and how it wasnt aerodynamic or something. He made a good point the CoD of the gen 3 Camry is like.31 if I remember right this is lower than several so called sports cars. I was trying to find which thread it was but cant seem to find it right now.

touringcamry · 09-01-2005, 08:34 PM

At 70 can you get 38 MPG highway? I sure can't. I drove 60 and I had about 38 MPG on a 180 mile trip each way by setting the cruise and then just pointing the car. Surprised the hell out of me.

Kinda helps when the road looks like this though: (56k warning)
http://users.adelphia.net/~heckler1028/images/road1.jpg
http://users.adelphia.net/~heckler1028/images/road2.jpg

95WhiteCamry · 09-01-2005, 08:47 PM

^^ is it me or is that highway 99??? sure as hell looks like it..
anyways, in terms of blocking out the air dam, you may actually hurt the car. you will be blocking air that should be going to the radiator AND you'll be adding some weight. Basically follow the advice Yukio gave you and you'll be fine and dandy.

p.s. i don't want to start another debate on whether or not an SRI improves gas milage, i still want to say that if your air filter is dirty, it will help. other than "sounding fast", you won't really get anything, just my 2 cents. and oh yea, it also helps to drive at night. no traffic whatsoever. good luck man.

***RningOnFumes*** · 09-01-2005, 08:53 PM

wow...looks like the back road to lancaster from san bernardino/victorville

touringcamry · 09-01-2005, 08:55 PM

Gen 3 Camry has a cD of 0.31 which is fairly good already. This is already better than the 2000 Celica which comes in at 0.32. The MKIV Supra is at 0.33.

The Gen4 Camry is slightly improved at 0.30 and the Gen 5 even better at 0.28 <- extreme low for production car - not many can beat it! 2005 Accord is 0.30.