Date:         Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:11:30 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      re  Aerodynamics for MPG
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

  Someone posted that "There's nothing you can do at 70mph for the van's
aero.." or something like that..  But you CAN do many "little" things to
make small improvements, and each small improvement adds up.  Sure, the
vanagon's basic shape is about as wrong as can be, if aerodynamic efficiency
was the goal, but that doesn't mean it's beyond an intelligent attempt to
improve it's details and thereby decrease it's aerodynamic drag...Ya can't
just give up...We're into these vehicles..
  Small things...add up.  It's all compromise.  If you have unlimited bucks
and don't care about camping, rough roads, etc..you could make a Vanagon
with bustles and noses..make it into something resembling a pregnant
ant-eater..or something...Slick..Ugly..kinda silly.
  For a few real world ideas..that chin spoiler...these are common on SCCA
racecars, cars that are often put on track with just a few inches of ground
clearance.  Budget racers sometimes make  chin spoilers  from that black ABS
garden "edging"..Home Despot Race Supply has it in rolls, about 4-6" and
firm enough to resist folding under at speed...That would probably help a
bit and cost next to nothing under the front of a Van...If you snagged a
stump, you just screw or pop-rivet another section under the bumper.
  The stock mirrors are probably another good place to look. (no suggestions
here, but..) Any racks..try mounting them on the rear hatch if
possible..Maybe some of those old "Moon"  flat full disc wheel covers...if
you can manage your brakes possibly overheating.. Just those few things
might improve your Aeros a few %..at minimum cost and an acceptable
compromise of the van's utility..
  Don Hanson

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Date:    Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:57:35 -0700
From:    John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Aerodynamics for MPG

> What about using one of those old-fashioned bug shields you used to see
> mounted on the front of old trucks?  Those upright pieces of lexan perched
> on the front of the hood?  Why not find one that's close in width to the
> Vanagon and mount it under the front bumper?  I'm sure that would keep a
lot
> of air from getting under the vehicle where it encounters front suspension
> components etc.

Later models frequently already have a "chin spoiler" like that. It
probably helps, but I imagine it doesn't help a whole lot. The two big
culpits on the reg'lar passenger van ar that flat nose, and that flat
tail. A tapered back end would help reduce drag inducing turbulence.
Perhaps a fiberglass nose piece, continuing along the angle of the
windshield, sticking out 16 inches or so.... then you'd have a Toyota
Hiace!

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"

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