List of aero mods

[MetroMPG]

[This thread will be a work in progress.]

[kickflipjr]

Good list metro. I don't think you mentioned side skirts.

[MetroMPG]

I though side skirts were more of a downforce producing mod than a drag-reducing mod. (Combined with a low front air dam they reduce the pressure under the car.)

I've only ever seen them mentioned in handlin/racing applications.

Could be wrong - anyone have any references?

[kickflipjr]

Yeah that picture above definitely has some downforce characteristics in it. I always thought they would benefit aerodynamics because they prevent air from coming in through the side of the car.

Example 2

[GasSavers_BluEyes]

The one in that pic is probably more for show than anything else.

One thing to note the photo - the side skirts would be better if they incorporated a rear tire air deflector. It looks like it tucks in right before the rear tire, directing the airflow right at the tire

For an aero-minded side skirt, it should not extend any lower than the lowest point of the vehicle. That way you are not increasing your projected area in a cross-wind, but you will keep the crosswind from directly hitting any exposed parts - kinda like an air dam for the side.

[Peakster]

How about headlamps that fit flush with the car's body:

Attachment 212

Vs.

Attachment 213

Do you think there's any real aerodynamic improvement? To tell you the truth, I like the square headlamp style better (in terms of looks).

[MetroMPG]

I'd say it's likely one of those "tiny but real" improvements. Partly because it's not a uniform bucket (unlike, say, a hole in the matrix of a vertical grille which you could block from either side for the same effect).

I'll add it to the list.

[skewbe]

Originally Posted by theclencher

...but I read that headlight buckets "pile up" dead air in front of them and the rest flows well so no aero penalty...

That was just some marketing tripe. Of course there is a penalty. Leave all your other windows closed and pop out your windshield, do you think your MPGs will notice?

[skewbe]

Originally Posted by Peakster

How about headlamps that fit flush with the car's body:
...
Do you think there's any real aerodynamic improvement? To tell you the truth, I like the square headlamp style better (in terms of looks).

your metro has the same hazy plastic headlight symptom that mine does. It looks a lot better when they are new.

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by skewbe

your metro has the same hazy plastic headlight symptom that mine does. It looks a lot better when they are new.

I had that symptom on my passat. I wet-sanded them with #400 emery paper, then #600, then Novus #2 (fine) polish and then Novus #1. They were crystal clear. It works on taillights that get foggy too.

edit: use masking tape to protect the paint.